Flu season continues to go strong, according to a doctor with OSF Healthcare. 

Other viruses like COVID-19, RSV, norovirus, HMPV, and others are all in this year's respiratory illness mix, but Influenza A is dominating other viruses in the sheer number of diagnoses. Doug Kasper, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare says that the increase in flu cases is "typical and expected" for this time of year. Why are the numbers up?

Seasonal flu shots are available and recommended for anyone six months and older, according to the CDC. Kasper says that while the influenza vaccine is not perfect, as far as protecting against infection, cumulative influenza vaccine is associated with less severe illness. So over time, if you're exposed to a strain, even if it's changed, potentially had you been vaccinated or exposed to that strain in the past is beneficial for the future.