Hospitals across the region are seeing more patients because of flu symptoms, including here in Orange County at Orange Regional Medical Center's Urgent Care facility. 

Experts say that this time of year, the flu and other infections are more prevalent because many people are in close quarters and stay indoors. They offer some tips to preventing the flu. 

The department of health says vaccinations are recommended for everyone over 6 months of age and especially for those with chronic illnesses. Health officials say washing hands regularly to prevent transmission of the flu is crucial.

"Wash your hands often," says Dr. Rona Heublum-Colton, M.D., of Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown. "Because if somebody has the flu and they touched a surface and you touch that surface and touch your face, you'll probably get the flu."