CDC: Rates of high flu levels nearly double across US

As the holidays draw closer, many Americans may be spending it resting in bed rather than gathering with family members.

The CDC reported in their weekly report surveying flu prevalence that the virus has infected people in 30 states, including those along the southern border.

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Georgia is among 19 high-infection states, which now includes New York and the United States territory of Puerto Rico. Georgia is also reported to have widespread flu infections.

The CDC estimates that there have been at least 3.7 million flu cases so far this season. In 32,000 cases, hospitalization was required.

The virus has also been deadly, with 2,400 fatalities occurring between Oct. 1 and November 30, according to the agency. Six children were among the people who died from the viral infection.

Even though the symptoms are similar to a cold, flu symptoms typically come on rapidly. Chills, severe muscle aches, fever and a headache behind the eyes are characteristics of a flu infection. Some cases see people experience a sore throat or coughing. In children, the symptoms may include diarrhea or vomiting.

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The CDC recommends getting vaccinated to protect against the flu. That includes everyone six months old and older. The agency says doing so lowers the risk of visiting the doctor with the flu by 40% to 60%. And even though the recommended time to get a vaccine is in October, since flu season peaks between December and February, it’s not too late.

“Even if you do get influenza [after being vaccinated], it will often lessen the symptoms, reduce your chances of complications, and decrease the time that you are sick and spreading the virus to your family members,” Eric A. Weiss, a physician with Stanford Health Care, said to Yahoo Lifestyle.