NEW YORK - The winter season isn’t the only thing in full swing. The flu season is also in high gear here in the Big Apple. Doctors are reporting an early rise in cases ahead of the peak. The Department of Health said usually the flu season starts in October and lasts through May, often peaking in February. However, the department is reporting an early rise this year. State health officials said the total number of confirmed cases this season in New York is 8,253 with one official saying there are “more cases at this point in time than the...