The McLean County Health Department says nearly everyone should get a flu shot. (Photo By Flickr user USACE Europe District)

By Paul Morello

BLOOMINGTON - State health officials are expecting a busy flu season, but the McLean County Health Department hasn't seen any severe cases yet.

Spokeswoman Kera Simon said Monday there have been 18 ICU cases of the flu statewide, but none yet in the county.

"The main strain of influenza that officials are seeing is H3N2 and that strain is covered through this season's flu vaccine," she said.

Simon said everyone should get the flu shot except babies under six months old or people who are allergic to the vaccine.

Flu season typically runs from October to May, with a peak around January. The holidays also prove to be problematic.

"People get together in large groups and illness will spread from person to person," Simon said. "So really if you're sick, just stay home."

According to Simon, the flu can hospitalize 200,000 people in the United States per year.

Paul Morello can be reached at paul@wjbc.com.