Doctors warn of peak flu at the end of the season

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Doctors from the Arkansas State Department of Health say that this year's flu season is a lot sweeter than last year's, but what about it? is not over yet.

Until this influenza season, 31 Arkans succumbed to the virus, of which only one was a child.

Doctors say that in recent weeks there has been an increase in the number of influenza cases among schoolchildren, 16 schools had to close because of the disease.

ADH says that there will probably be several more weeks of influenza.

"Things are always coming to an end," said Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, medical director of vaccinations at the DHA. "We have a late influenza season this year and, nationwide, we are seeing a shift in influenza types in circulation."

Doctors say the flu shot is your best line of defense.

This year, the vaccine is 47% effective at preventing people from contracting the disease, and for others, it can reduce the severity and duration of the disease and even prevent hospitalization and death.