Updated figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest the influenza virus is still on the rise across the U.S., indicating the flu season is hitting its peak.
Released Friday, the latest CDC weekly flu report (Dec. 29 - Jan. 4) 35 states reported the influenza virus as being widespread. 14 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico reported regional influenza activity at the most.
This year's flu season is also very close to being called an epidemic, reported CBS News. In the past week, 6.9 percent of deaths were attributed to influenza or pneumonia and if that figure climbs to 7.1 percent, the CDC would consider it an epidemic.
Texas has been on of the hardest-hit states in the country and has grown especially weary of the H1N1, also known as PH1N1, strain. It is the same strain that cause the 2009 "swine flu pandemic."
The CDC does not track exact figures of adult deaths related to the flu, but reported four pediatric deaths from the past week brings the season's total to 10. Young children and adults older than 65 are considered most vulnerable and are therefore most encouraged to get vaccinated against the flu.
Although influenza is spreading, some experts say people often confuse the flu with the common cold. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook said the common cold is often felt above the neck and the flu is much more sever.
"If you've ever had the flu, there's no mistaking the two," he said. "You feel like you were hit by a truck."
The flu adds symptoms like joint and muscle aches, fever, extreme fatigue and a dry cough to cold-like symptoms of congestion, sneezing, sore throat and headaches.
LaPook said the most important thing to remember this flu season is not to try to treat an influenza virus with antibiotics. The CDC estimates 40 percent of eligible Americans have been vaccinated against the flu. Since flu season is at its peak, the CDC is still urging anyone older than six months to get vaccinated, reiterating that it is not too late.
"It's that time of year. It's the same problem, the same issues," LaPook said. "But people really have to understand, flu is serious."
