RIVERSIDE – (INT) – With the flu season at a peak, most people are avoiding the bug.

Compared to historical data from the last several years, incidents of flu are within normal limits.

Riverside County Director of Disease Control Barbara Cole explains, however, that not every case of influenza is reported.

“We monitor individuals with severe influenza meaning they are sick enough to be hospitalized in ICU. So far this season, we’ve had seven cases reported to us.”

And, statistics of those aged 64 or older are not reported because they may have had underlying health issues that contributed to their deaths.

Authorities say this season’s flu vaccine formula is helping many people ward off the flu although a strain has appeared that is resistant to the vaccine.

Story Date: February 5, 2015