Health  officials say flu is more widespread across the nation -- but the number of hard-hit states has declined. Flu season started early this winter, and includes a strain that tends to make people sicker

At Rochester General Hospital, officials say they have seen a dramatic increase in the number of patients with flu symptoms, but they do say they have been able to efficiently handle the number of patients coming through the emergency department.

Officials at RGH do say you may want to consider contacting your personal doctor before you come to the emergency room, but they say if that is not possible, or if you have an urgent health concern, do not hestitate coming to the emergency room.

At Strong Hospital, officials are asking people with flu-like symptoms to not visit hospitalized patients.. and they ask that all visitors who have not been vaccinated against the flu wear a mask.

Also visitation to the Golisano Children's Hospital and Strong's maternity floor, will be restricted to two visitors for the duration of the patient's stay. Visitors have to be 14 years or older.

At RGH, they were asking only 2 visitors to a patient at one time, and both RGH and Highland were asking visitors to stay away if they don't feel well.