Here's what you need to know about the flu season right now

The flu could reach its peak, experts say.

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Influenza activity resumed last week to reach a new high this season. Still, this season is much lighter than last year, according to the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC).

Influenza is now prevalent in 48 states and Puerto Rico. Since October 1, 2018, up to 20.4 million cases of influenza have been reported, between 8.2 and 9.6 million influenza-related medical visits, 214,000 to 256,000 hospitalizations and 13,600 22,300 deaths , says the CDC.

Another seven pediatric deaths were reported last week, bringing the number of influenza-related deaths among children to 41.

The flu season has arrived and the CDC expects the activity to remain high for several weeks.

Some experts attribute the low flu season to the effectiveness of this year's vaccine. But the success of the shot depends on your age.

Early estimates have shown that influenza vaccines have "almost halved (47%) the risk of infection with medically badisted influenza in those vaccinated so far this season", said the CDC.

For children up to 17 years, the effectiveness of the vaccine is estimated at 61%. About 24% of adults aged 50 and over were protected by gunshot.

For comparison, the vaccine efficacy was 36% at the same time last year.

The vaccine must be reformulated every year to match the most common influenza strains. This year's vaccine was designed to attack four strains: H1N1, H3N2, Influenza A and Influenza B.

The predominant strain this year is the H1N1 virus, with the H3N2 strain appearing more in the southeastern states. As this year's vaccine contains these strains, those who have been vaccinated are well protected.

The vaccine not only prevents the flu, but also reduces the duration and severity of the symptoms.

The CDC encourages people who do not have the opportunity to do so. Even if you've had the flu this year, it's worth it to get vaccinated.

"Influenza vaccines protect against more than one influenza strain, and it is not because you have been infected with an influenza strain that you are not contracting a second infection with another strain in circulation," said Dr. Amesh Adalja , an infectious disease specialist at the Center for Health Security at Johns Hopkins University, told Healthline. Adalja is also a spokesperson for Theraflu.

About 90% of the cases reported this year are of the H1N1 type, which tends to be less severe than last year's H3N2 dominant strain.

In general, fever tends to be higher in people with H3N2 than in those with H1N1. Some doctors have reported difficulties diagnosing this year's main strain. This is because some people tested positive for the flu had only fever and no other symptoms.

"H1N1 causes a less severe flu with less severe symptoms. Because of this, the flu may seem like a cold. Thus, less severe people, less likely to go to see a doctor or be diagnosed, "said Dr. Adrian Cotton, internist and chief of medical operations at Loma Linda University. .

Typical influenza symptoms include cough, fever, fatigue, and body aches. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can occur in the most severe cases.

Health experts predict that influenza activity will begin to decline about a month or so ago. But you should not give up, as new cases will probably be reported as late as May.

"The flu season usually peaks in February, so it's not surprising to see cases continue to rise. I expect that cases will begin to decline in the coming weeks, "Adalja said.

It is crucial to continue taking preventative measures against the flu. Wash your hands frequently, get vaccinated and eat vitamin and mineral-rich foods, such as whole foods and vegetables, to boost your immune system, said Cotton.

If you start to feel symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible. Antiviral medications that treat the flu work best when they are administered within two days of an illness. Otherwise, avoid public places and use them at home until your symptoms disappear.

Influenza activity has reached its second peak this season. The 2018-2019 influenza season appears to be a lot lenient than last year, which many health experts attribute to the efficacy of this year's vaccine.