32 States, Including Utah, Experiencing Surge In Flu Cases

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A nasty strain of the flu has spread across the country, and 32 states — including Utah — are seeing a second surge of the illness.

As many as 26 million Americans have contracted the strain since October, and there have been 31,000 deaths associated with the flu. Since the outbreak is growing rapidly, those numbers are expected to rise.

Health officials said the best way to avoid getting sick is to get a flu shot and wash your hands.

Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention aren’t sure if the flu season has hit its peak, but they do expect the illness to linger for at least a few more weeks.