As the season moves further into the winter, new influenza cases are picking up speed. Many states are now reporting a much faster increase in cases as the flu continues to spread.

One state with some of the highest numbers of flu cases is Pennsylvania. Between Dec. 6, when there were 1,180 cases reported, and Dec. 20, the number of cases had skyrocketed up to 5,153 cases. Many of the cases showing up in Pennsylvania have been among those who already had the flu shot. There are between 10 and 15 new cases per day where people are confirmed with having influenza.

In the state of North Dakota, there has been a jump that went from 338 cases last week to 897 this week. Each of these is confirmed cases. The largest group of infections has occurred in those who are under 10 years old, with 324 cases. The health department in the state has revealed that only 32 people have been hospitalized with flu.

In central Minnesota, there has been a jump from 17 up to 31 percent of the number of new cases. Influenza is already widespread across the southern part of the state. Six people in the central part of the state have been hospitalized, but as many as 359 have been put in the hospital for flu statewide since October.

Some hospitals in Minnesota there are asking that people with flu symptoms not visit patients in the hospital if they have had any symptoms of the flu within the past 24 hours. The state government is urging people there to still get the flu shot even though it is not a perfect match.

Schools in the South have had a particularly hard time with a large number of students and teachers getting sick. In Polk County, GA, there were 1,300 students and 78 teachers who called in sick. Schools were closed early and they are hoping for a better start after New Year’s Day.

Indiana has also seen a rapid spread of the influenza virus in the past few days. Three weeks ago they had a total of 29 cases. By the first week of December, they reported that there were 450 cases.

In Michigan, there is not only an outbreak of the flu, but also the whooping cough is rampant. So far, there have been 81 cases of whooping cough and it has spread to 22 schools. Some very young children have been affected, but real young children cannot be vaccinated. Older children should get the vaccine.

Although the flu shot is not as effective this year against the prevalent strain, some doctors are saying that those patients who have had the flu shot are not as sick as those who did not get it. It is still recommended. There are often two periods of flu each year – one in the fall, and the other one usually comes in late winter.

Flu symptoms include fever, headaches, soreness, sore throat, chills, congestion, and coughing. Getting care quickly will be more effective than waiting, and it is important to stay hydrated once sick. When someone gets flu symptoms, they are being advised to stay at home. There is no reason to make other people sick. It is also being recommended that others in the house also be vaccinated before the symptoms show up.