Influenza is on the rise across the country, according to a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report.
The CDC says that flu activity in Florida is currently just one level below what's considered 'widespread'.
So if you haven't gotten the flu shot yet, this map should give you a good reason:
The number of states reporting widespread flu activity jumped from 12 to 23, the proportion of samples testing positive for influenza at clinical laboratories went from 8.4% to 14.0%, and the percentage of people seeking outpatient care for influenza-like illness (ILI) increased from 2.7% to 3.5% over last week’s report, according to the CDC.
Although the CDC says that this year's flu vaccine has only been 10 percent effective, they say that the best bet for fighting the flu is to get a flu shot. Check with your physician, your county health department, or click here to find a list of locations to schedule your flu vaccine.
According to the CDC's definition, influenza (also known as the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
- Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
* It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
Widespread influenza activity was reported by 23 states:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Connecticut
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
Regional influenza activity was reported by Puerto Rico and 23 states:
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wyoming
Local influenza activity was reported by the District of Columbia and four states:
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Utah
- West Virginia
Sporadic activity was reported by the U.S. Virgin Islands. Guam did not report. Geographic spread data show how many areas within a state or territory are seeing flu activity.
To locate a flu shot, click here.
Mary Stringini is a Digital Reporter for ABC Action News. Follow her on Twitter @MaryWFTS.
