CDC maps show just how widespread this flu season is in America

We know it’s been a bad year for the flu in Michigan and across America.

Health experts say this flu season is shaping up to potentially be one of the worst in decades. They say this season is on track to be as severe as the 2017-18 season, the deadliest in 40 years.

These maps from the CDC show how widespread the flu is at the beginning of 2020 and how it compares to the same period in 2019 and 2018:

Flu symptoms (from the CDC)

Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu is different from a cold. Flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

• fever* or feeling feverish/chills
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle or body aches
• headaches
• fatigue (tiredness)
• some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

Related:

• State of Michigan confirms 2 pediatric flu deaths this season
• 4-year-old Iowa girl goes blind after nearly dying from flu
• Hospitals report increase in children diagnosed with flu, RSV
• Factors that help spread the flu: What you need to know
• This flu season could be worst in decades: Facts and symptoms
• Flu cases increasing: Visitation restrictions in place for Beaumont’s 8 hospitals