SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Flu numbers are spiking across the state as respiratory illnesses are spreading rapidly. According to the CDC, they estimate that there have been at least 9 million illnesses, 110,000 hospitalizations, and 4,700 deaths from flu so far this season across the country. There have also been a total of 16 pediatric deaths. 22News spoke to Dr. Scott Siege, Chief of Pediatrics at Baystate Health, who told us now is the time to get vaccinated against the flu. "I encourage families to vaccinate everyone eligible because the more protected the house the better," he recommends. "Good handwashing and people should stay home when they are sick." People with chronic conditions, as well as people over the age of 65, are at a higher risk of severe illness from the flu. According to THE CDC, in previous flu seasons, 80% of children who died from the flu virus were unvaccinated. Local News Headlines Eversource warns about new scheme going around that’s affecting its customers Flu cases surge in Massachusetts ‘Athleta’ in Longmeadow Shops closing January 31 Local camp director honored with rising star award WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.