CDC says influenza season is the longest of the decade

The weather is warming up, the flowers are starting to bloom and the flu season is over – right? It turns out that Americans still catch the flu.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predict that this year's influenza season is one of the longest since 1997, when they began keeping records. And it's the longest of the last decade.

"This year was the longest flu season we've seen in the last 10 years," said Lynnette Brammer of the CDC Influenza Division, CBS New York reported. "Previously, the longest was 20 weeks old and we're 21 years old."

One of the reasons for the long flu season is that two types of influenza viruses have surfaced at different times.

"The beginning of the season was predominant for the H1N1 virus, and then the H3N2 viruses increased," said Brammer. "We had two different waves of flu this year."

"I do not remember a season like this," said Dr. Arnold Monto, a researcher at the University of Michigan.

So far this season, up to 41.3 million people have had flu symptoms, with up to 19.4 million doctor visits and up to 610 000 hospitalized.

While influenza cases are down, doctors say the virus can still be transmitted even in hot weather.

"Given the evolution of the flu season, if you have flu-like symptoms, chances are you'll have the flu," Brammer said.

An important reminder is to take common sense precautions, such as washing your hands and staying home in case of illness, to prevent the spread of the virus.