Delaware has seen nearly 10 times the number of flu cases this year compared to the same time period last year.
The Delaware Division of Public Health says there were 632 reported flu cases through Dec. 20. For the same time period last year, there were just 70 flu cases.
Health officials say the uptick reflects earlier influenza activity being reported throughout the country.
The News Journal reports that the state is tracking six flu strains including H1N1, or swine flu, and H3N2, a common seasonal flu strain.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says a mutated form of the H3N2 virus has been reported in almost all states, and the flu vaccine currently on the market doesn't prevent that strain's spread.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
