Vermont health officials have reported about 20 outbreaks of flu this season in the state so far, and they expect that number to rise.
The state's epidemiologist, Patsy Kelso, said that a recent rise in flu cases is typical and will continue for the next few weeks.
"Flu season typically doesn't peak until February or March, so we're certainly seeing lots of flu now and expect to continue to do so," Kelso said.
The latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate around 10 million people nationally have been sick with the flu this season and at least 19 children have died.
To best protect yourself from the flu, Kelso said to wash your hands, cover your cough and get a flu shot.
More information about influenza:
- From the Vermont Department of Health
- From Vermont Edition: The Science of Flu Season [Nov. 2018]