There's been a drastic spike in the number of people being hospitalized with the flu.

According to the Ohio Department of Health, 863 Ohioans were hospitalized with the flu virus in 2012 compared to 65 Ohioans in 2011.
 

During the first week of December, 140 Ohioans were hospitalized with influenza symptoms, the second week 169 were hospitalized and by the third week of December 369 were hospitalized.

Healthcare officials say there are ways to prevent from getting the flu.

They include covering your nose when you sneeze, covering your mouth when you cough, wash your hands, use hand sanitizer and get a flu shot.