Flu hits Illinois hard

Posted on January 19, 2015

The best way to fight the flu is the flu shot, despite it being less-effective this year, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. (WJBC file photo)

By Joe Ragusa

BLOOMINGTON – The flu is widespread in Illinois.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say January and February are typically the peak months of flu season. Dr. Lamar Hasbrouck with the Illinois Department of Public Health said the best protection from the flu is still the flu shot.

"Even though we've learned that this season, there was a strain that we didn't predict and the vaccine isn't as great as covering that, but there is some cross-coverage," Hasbrouck said. "People should still consider getting vaccinated. The flu season typically lasts until March or April."

This year's flu vaccine was only 23-percent effective according to the CDC, compared to the average flu vaccine, which is 50-to-60 percent effective.

Joe Ragusa can be reached at [email protected].

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