Influenza hits two thirds of states hard

The flu is hitting 29 states particularly hard this year, and more people are seeking their healthcare provider, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"These current levels of influenza-like illness (ILI) are nearing what have been peak levels of ILI during moderately severe seasons in the past," a CDC press release stated.

During the last few weeks, the number of people with flu-like illnesses who sought their healthcare provider increased from 2.8% to 5.6%, the report shows.

There are 29 states that have reported high ILI activity and nine states reporting moderate ILI activity.

"Forty-one states are reporting widespread geographic influenza activity for the week of December 23-29, 2012; an increase from 31 states the previous week," the report stated. "Geographic influenza activity takes into account the number of areas in a state that are reporting increases in laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza, influenza outbreaks, ILI, and other indicators of activity."

Some strains of the virus have proven to be resistant to drugs, according to the report.

"High levels of resistance to the adamantanes (amantadine and rimantadine) persist among 2009 influenza A (H1N1) and A (H3N2) viruses," according to the report. "Adamantanes are not effective against influenza B viruses."