Flu Continues To Spread Across State, Country

(CBS) -- Almost every state in the country reports high flu numbers. So far, influenza's killed 21 children this season alone.

CBS 2's Marissa Bailey breaks down the latest CDC numbers nationwide, and here at home.

Across the country: 43 states now show widespread flu numbers. That's up from 36 states just last week.

And according to the state department of health, every county in Illinois reports widespread influenza numbers.

"It's a bad strain out there," said Doctor Paul Casey, an ER doctor at Rush University Medical Center.

According to the CDC, the flu season not only started earlier this year, but reached epidemic levels earlier as well, something Doctor Casey says they're seeing at Rush.

"It always feels like everyone is getting it and is is spreading so quickly but really it's still spreading at the same pace," Dr. Case said.

Same pace, same flu symptoms according to the good doctor.

But what about the flu vaccine? Initial reports show it's only effective 50 percent of the time. But new numbers are even lower at just 33 percent effectiveness.

"I think it's more frustrating as a patient cause when you thought you did the right thing and you got the flu shot and then you develop flu symptoms -- it's kind of frustrating," Dr, Casey said.

Still he says the flu shot helps lessen the blow, should you get the flu.

"It certainly does decrease the severity of the symptoms and sometimes the duration as well," he said.

Dr. Casey says we could see flu numbers dip, then spike again before flu season is over. Flu season typically ends in April, but in some cases, it could last through May.