MADISON - The Centers for Disease Control says the flu has reached epidemic levels. It is widespread in 37 states, including Wisconsin.
"We are not at peak activity yet, but we are fast approaching the influenza peak, which will probably be in three to four weeks," said Thomas Haupt, the influenza surveillance coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. "It's really hard to make that prediction."
As of last week, there were 457 hospitalizations because of the flu. More than two-thirds of the cases were in people who are 65 years of age or older.
The predominant flu strain is the AH3 virus.
"It is affecting the older population more so than the younger population."
With the season's peak expected in just a few weeks, the state is urging people who haven't gotten the vaccine to get it now.
"The vaccine is probably the best way to prevent the flu both for yourself and the people around you," said Haupt.
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