Flu season widespread and late this year, say health officials

LYNCHBURG, Va.(WSET)-The flu is overstaying its visit this year - according to the Virginia Department of Health.

The 2015-2016 Influenza activity Level is labeled as "Widespread" by the VDH.

It's difficult to track every case of the flu because not every person with the flu goes to the doctor.

But there have been enough confirmed cases for the health department to call for an extended flu season.

And they are urging you to get the vaccine if you haven't.

Diane Jones, Dir. Infection Prevention, Centra agrees. "Well we have to understand that nothing is one hundred percent. And vaccinations are still one of the most best measures to prevent the transmission of flu."

Jones says March flu cases totaled more (207) than all of the cases that tested positive for October through February. "March really roared in."

Jones says Centra is extending its flu warning this year and its offer for flu vaccines for employees through the end of April.

Health department officials say most people who are coming down with the flu right now are folks who did not get vaccinated.