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In Midst Of Flu Season, State Public Health Director Says Illinois In Pretty Good Shape

(CBS) -- Illinois' Public Health director says the state is heading into the heart of the flu season in pretty good shape.

Dr. Nirav Shah says flu activity in Illinois has been "minimal and sporadic" with significantly fewer cases of the flu this year to this point than last year.

Dr. Shah he doesn't know the reason why the number of cases is down. He says, "it could be that the milder weather that we've seen has decreased flu activity. It's equally likely that this year's flu vaccine is a particularly good match for the virus that circulates."

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Still, the state public health department director believes the number of cases of flu in Illinois will soon be going up as it tends to in late January and into February.

He says, "It is not too late to get your flu shot yet this season."

Shah says there have been fewer cases of the flu that have landed people in hospital intensive care units: around 68.

Dr. Shah says if you have the flu and, after a few days, you don't think you're getting better go see your doctor.

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