Doctors say a rise in flu cases and a spike in flu symptoms are having an impact on local hospitals.

Doctors at Stony Brook University Hospital say they are seeing a big increase in patients being admitted to the emergency room for the flu in recent weeks.

Dr. Bettina Fries, chief of the infectious disease division at Stony Brook, says beds are filling up largely because the H3N2 flu strain is more dominant this year.

“That strain is an aggressive flu strain that spreads rapidly. It seems the vaccine not as efficacious as we would wish,” she says.

Doctors at Stony Brook recommend getting the flu shot even though it's not 100 percent effective, because it can lessen symptoms if someone gets the flu.

The flu is spread in droplets when people cough and sneeze, and even when conversations are held within 3 feet.

At Stony Brook, a sign in the entrance advises anyone with the flu not to visit patients. Those with symptoms are encouraged to wear a mask and disinfect their hands.