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Health officials are raising alarms as this flu season intensifies, with conditions worsening day by day.
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The number of flu cases is climbing as infections spread quickly, fueled by holiday gatherings across the United States.
Recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that flu cases nationwide have surged to nearly five million.
In comparison, Illinois has reported fewer cases than many other states.
According to pre-Christmas data from the Illinois Department of Public Health, the state is currently at a “moderate risk” level, with 4.5% of emergency room visits attributed to flu symptoms.
And 20.5% of the lab tests done for respiratory illness are testing positive for flu, according to IDPH.
New York is seeing ‘high’ respiratory illness activity. Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Texas are seeing ‘moderate’ activity. All other states are seeing low or very low levels.
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While this year’s flu seems similar to previous years, including symptoms like high fever, body aches and fatigue, doctors said this year’s strain is showing more vomiting in children and symptoms are coming on faster and more intensely.
The bulk of this year’s cases are being linked to a new variant known as subclade K.
Doctors say the flu shot will still help reduce your risk of severe illness. However, fewer Americans have been vaccinated this year.
Dr. Jennifer Seo, a pediatric medicine medical advisor with IDPH, said the H3N2 virus is believed to be responsible for an increase in flu cases in New York.
“It’s a good idea to go and swab and get tested, because you might be able to take an antiviral such as Tamifu for influenza, as long as you start that quickly, usually within 48 hours of symptoms,” ABC News medical contributor Dr. Alok Patel said.
The CDC recommends everyone over the age of 6 months get their flu shot.
Health officials say flu season usually spikes again in February or March.
Twelve-year-old Gavin knows to wash his hands with soap and water to help avoid illness; after all, he is the son of an emergency medicine doctor.
“Making sure you have hand wash for your guests once you have people in, hit the door knob with disinfectant, keep the counter tops clean anything that can reserve some of the fomites that can spread the flu,” Dr. Christopher Colbert explained.
ABC News contributed to this story.
READ ALSO | Chicago-area health officials expect bad flu season, push for vaccinations despite federal guidance
