By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

Here are the estimates: At least 2.6 million influenza cases, 23,000 hospitalizations and 1,300 flu related deaths since October 1, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

influenza
Image/CDC

Federal health officials say seasonal influenza activity in the United States has been elevated for five weeks and continues to increase.

Widespread flu activity has been reported in 23 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

Nationally, influenza B/Victoria viruses have been the most common, which health officials say is unusual for this time of year.

Influenza A/H1N1 viruses are the next most common and are increasing in proportion relative to other influenza viruses in some regions.

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CDC reminds the public that it’s not too late to get vaccinated.  Flu vaccination is always the best way to prevent flu and its potentially serious complications.

In addition, antiviral medications are an important adjunct to flu vaccine in the control of influenza.  Almost all (>99%) of the influenza viruses tested this season are susceptible to the 4 FDA-approved influenza antiviral medications recommended for use in the U.S. this season.