The state Department of Health said there were 4,546 flu hospitalizations last week, a 24% increase from the week before.

“We are having a more severe flu season than prior years, almost 1,000 more people were admitted to a hospital during this most recent seven-day period compared to the prior week,” state Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said in a statement on Friday.

“There is still time to get a flu shot and remember, flu can be treated with antiviral medication if started within 48 hours of symptom onset and your doctor deems appropriate.”

The number of people diagnosed with the flu overall — not just those who were hospitalized — also reached a record high last month of more than 72,000. Cases dropped last week by about a third to 49,000, state data show.