As 2017 has gotten underway and much of the country has their attention turned to the new presidency, the flu virus is starting to take hold. According to the recent FluView report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the cases of influenza continue to rise.

For the week ending Jan. 14, the number of people seeing their healthcare provider for influenza-like illness was at a rate of 3.3 percent, which is well above the usual rate of 2.2 percent. This has been consistently elevated for five consecutive weeks.

Although all states are reporting increases in influenza cases, the states reporting widespread activity rose from 21 to 29 states in the most recent report.

While middle America seems to not be as widely affected, coastal states are getting hit particularly hard. On the East Coast, North Carolina has reported 16 flu-related deaths.

Out West, the California Department of Public Health has reported at least 45 flu-related deaths, including two pediatric deaths, since the beginning of the year. Director Ron Chapman noted that they "are clearly in the midst of what appears to be an early-peaking severe flu season."

Much attention is being focused on Oregon where flu cases have reached epidemic numbers with 24 deaths reported since the beginning of the year. It is feared that Oregon will continue to be a hot spot since they have the lowest vaccination rates in the country.

This rapid rise in cases is causing concern for local public health authorities as the traditional flu season routinely peaks in February. In response, the CDC and local public health officials are urging people to continue to receive the flu vaccine.

Although easily transmitted through coughing and sneezing, simple precautions can be taken to prevent the spread of influenza. Frequent and effective hand washing can be exceptionally effective, especially prior to eating. But all healthcare authorities continue to recommend anyone over 6 months of age to receive the flu vaccine.

Treatment is available to shorten the duration and severity of flu-like symptoms, so prompt medical attention should be sought quickly. Flu symptoms include a high temperature, cough, chills, aches and fatigue.

Despite the increasing rates, it is too early to determine if this year's vaccine is ineffective, as was seen in the 2014-2015 season. Therefore, there will be continued emphasis on receiving the flu vaccine, especially for the elderly, very young and those with compromised conditions.