Flu season in full swing

VERNON, Ala. (WCBI) – It seems to be peak season for the flu.

This map from the Centers for Disease Control shows widespread flu activity in Mississippi and Alabama.

The CDC reports 13 to 15 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed this flu season.

About half of those patients went to a doctor and more than 155,000 were hospitalized.

The flu is especially dangerous for infants, the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.

Dr. William Davis in Vernon said many of his patients were diagnosed with Influenza A.

There is a difference between a cold and the flu.

The Mississippi State Department of Health said people with the flu often have a high fever for days, along with head and body aches.

Patients also have to deal with extreme exhaustion and sever coughing.

See your doctor for treatment options.