Bethany Bump reports for the Times Union that Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Feb. 27 that this year the flu has hit New York State hard. In fact the 131,604 laboratory-confirmed cases of flu this season are the most ever recorded since the state began tracking flu in 1998. By comparison, the 2017-18 flu season, when 128,892 cases were recorded, was the second-worst season. "This year's flu season has been grueling and New Yorkers must remain vigilant against the spread of the virus," Cuomo said. "If you haven't already been vaccinated it's not too late. I urge you to get a vaccine and to please stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading the illness." The worst might be over, as reported flu cases declined the last two weeks. Cases peaked during the week ending Feb. 8, with 17,233 cases were reported. Reports of the flu have declined 26 percent since then. Read more about this story in the Times Union.