WASHINGTON – It’s still early in the flu season, but the disease is reported as widespread in Virginia, while there are fewer cases of flu so far in Maryland and D.C.

Virginia is among 10 states with widespread influenza, meaning it’s cropped up in a majority of the state’s counties in the week ending Dec. 21, according to The Centers for Disease Control.

Flu is not widespread in Maryland, and there are a few cases in D.C.

The CDC also warns that there have been a number of cases across the nation of severe respiratory illness among young and middle-aged adults infected with pHIN1 flu virus.

This strain of flu first emerged in 2009 and sickened more children and young adults than older adults.

If that strain of virus circulates widely this season, the CDC says, young and middle-aged adults may again be disproportionately affected.

The flu shot is the best tool for preventing the flu, the CDC says. The agency recommends that anyone who has not had a flu shot this season get one now.

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