This transcript is automatically generated
Flu season is hitting us especially hard this year and it's already killed more than a dozen children that's the word from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Two weeks ago the CDC reported 31 states with widespread flu activity -- states you see here in red.
Last week that number jumped to 41 of the State's health officials say the current amount of flu cases would match the peak of many previous years.
But they say the worst of this flu season is yet to come.
So far the bug has sent more than 2000 people to hospitals across the country.
We're doctors and nurses confirm they are quote knee deep in flu cases and they're urging folks that the best way to avoid getting sick is to get that vaccine.
Jonathan -- is live in Atlanta home to the headquarters of the scene.
John flu is hard to predict nevertheless experts believe it is the type of flu virus that's in play.
This flu season the dominant strain is an influenza.
A H three N two virus.
Here's what CDC director Thomas Frieden told us about it.
What we know about.
This year is that it seems to be starting sooner than most flu seasons.
And the strain of flu that spreading tends to be associated with earlier and more severe flu years.
So doctors are urging their patients to go out and get vaccinated especially those patients with.
Underlying health conditions which may make them more susceptible to flu related complications John so is this impacting the supply of the this -- You know John anecdotally you may hear about the occasional practice the temporarily runs out of flu vaccine.
But by and large providers are well stock with this vaccine at the beginning of this flu season.
Vaccine manufacturers announced that they would produce an estimated 135.
Million doses -- by early December they had already distributed 112.
Million of those doses to providers so.
Most providers well stocked with vaccine by now John I know they have to him.
Match that kind of vaccine the flu there expecting how effective is it this year.
Yet this year they believe they have a very good match to the dominant strains in circulation of course even a year.
That you have a good match.
Studies have suggested that the effectiveness.
A flu vaccine has a wide range anywhere from fifty to 70% -- fact it.
Nevertheless public health officials say the vaccination.
Is the best way.
To reduce your chances of getting flu or passing it on to someone else Jon Jonathan -- in Atlanta thank you.
Flu season is hitting us especially hard this year and it's already killed more than a dozen children that's the word from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Two weeks ago the CDC reported 31 states with widespread flu activity -- states you see here in red.
Last week that number jumped to 41 of the State's health officials say the current amount of flu cases would match the peak of many previous years.
But they say the worst of this flu season is yet to come.
So far the bug has sent more than 2000 people to hospitals across the country.
We're doctors and nurses confirm they are quote knee deep in flu cases and they're urging folks that the best way to avoid getting sick is to get that vaccine.
Jonathan -- is live in Atlanta home to the headquarters of the scene.
John flu is hard to predict nevertheless experts believe it is the type of flu virus that's in play.
This flu season the dominant strain is an influenza.
A H three N two virus.
Here's what CDC director Thomas Frieden told us about it.
What we know about.
This year is that it seems to be starting sooner than most flu seasons.
And the strain of flu that spreading tends to be associated with earlier and more severe flu years.
So doctors are urging their patients to go out and get vaccinated especially those patients with.
Underlying health conditions which may make them more susceptible to flu related complications John so is this impacting the supply of the this -- You know John anecdotally you may hear about the occasional practice the temporarily runs out of flu vaccine.
But by and large providers are well stock with this vaccine at the beginning of this flu season.
Vaccine manufacturers announced that they would produce an estimated 135.
Million doses -- by early December they had already distributed 112.
Million of those doses to providers so.
Most providers well stocked with vaccine by now John I know they have to him.
Match that kind of vaccine the flu there expecting how effective is it this year.
Yet this year they believe they have a very good match to the dominant strains in circulation of course even a year.
That you have a good match.
Studies have suggested that the effectiveness.
A flu vaccine has a wide range anywhere from fifty to 70% -- fact it.
Nevertheless public health officials say the vaccination.
Is the best way.
To reduce your chances of getting flu or passing it on to someone else Jon Jonathan -- in Atlanta thank you.