The flu season is in full force now, as it typically is around the colder months. As soon as the season starts to change and there’s a chill in the air, more and more cases of the flu are reported.

This year is unlike previous years. There has been a high number of influenza deaths for the 2016-2017 year, Senior Vice President/Chief Quality, Integrity and Medical Affairs Officer for MultiCare Health Systems, Dr. Maria Granzotti, said in an email.

There were 24 lab-confirmed influenza deaths reported as of Dec. 31. Compared to last year, at this time there were only eight counted deaths reported.

“We have seen increased volumes of patients in our emergency rooms, many with flu-like symptoms,” Granzotti said.

The reason for the increase could be because the predominating flu virus this year is influenza A, which according to the CDC, seasons that are prominent with this type of virus are often associated with more severe illness and higher mortality, Granzotti said. This type of flu affects children and older people more since their immune systems aren’t as strong.

Of the 24 deaths reported, they were all people who were over the age of 50. Two were ages 50-64 and the other 22 were 65 and older.

Healthcare providers are treating everyone as well as they can when they come in with symptoms. Granzotti suggest people who have flu-like symptoms but no underlying health conditions to consider options other than the emergency room. The emergency room is filling up fast and they want people with severe symptoms to be helped as fast as possible. Other options for people with minor symptoms includes MultiCare, Urgent Care and Indigo Urgent Care clinics; MultiCare eCare (text based service); Doctor on Demand (video visits) or RediClinics inside select Rite Aid stores.

The best protection against the flu will always be the yearly flu shot. Maintaining good hand hygiene practices and staying home if sick are also very important to stop the spread of the flu. Staying home if sick is critical especially if you’re around elderly people, young children or people with chronic conditions.

The peak month for the flu can range between December and March. So for the next few months, it is important to try and prevent the spread of the flu by any means possible.