By Dee DeQuattro, WPRO News

Rhode Island is experiencing an early outbreak of the flu virus this year.

“Flu has become widespread in Rhode Island. We are experiencing an earlier outbreak and an outbreak that involves more hospitalization then we are accustomed to seeing this time of year,” said Dr. Michael Fine of the Rhode Island Department of Health.

Fine said Rhode Islanders should get vaccinated now if they have not already noting that this particular flu strain is particularly powerful. “The strain changes every year. This is a strain that is associated with more intense illness and more hospitalizations. It is a strain called H3N2,” said Fine.

The flu outbreak usually last 6 to 10 weeks but Fine is hoping that through vaccinations and people receiving proper medical treatment the state can cut down the outbreak time.