Twenty flu-related deaths reported in a single week have brought Connecticut's total for the current flu season to 52.

The state Department of Public Health released a weekly update on flu statistics Thursday reporting that the disease continues to be widespread in the state.

More than 1,000 people have been hospitalized with confirmed cases of the flu since August 27. Of the 52 people killed, 44 were over the age of 65.

The department's commissioner, Dr. Raul Pino, says the peak of flu season is still several weeks away and there is still time to get a flu shot. He says it takes two weeks for the shot to become effective, so he advises getting one as soon as possible.