AUGUSTA — With the number of influenza cases continuing to rise throughout Maine and likely entering widespread status within the next two weeks, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) urges precautions.

"Influenza season most often peaks between December and March, but activity can occur year-round," said Maine CDC Director Dr. Bruce Bates, in a Jan. 25 news release. "That is why it is so important for Mainers to continue taking precautions to keep themselves and others safe and healthy."

The Federal CDC has antigenically or genetically characterized 562 influenza viruses from September 30–January 12, 2019, according to the Jan. 22 weekly flu surveillance report on the Maine CDC.

• 98.5% of influenza A/H1N1 samples match the vaccine strain
• 100% of influenza A/H3N2 samples match the vaccine strain
• 50% of influenza B/Victoria samples match the vaccine strain
• 100% of influenza B/Yamagata samples match the vaccine strain

• Antigenic characterization shows if the circulating strains are the same strains that were used to make the vaccine. This does not tell you how effective the vaccine is at creating an immune response.

During the 2017-2018 influenza season, the federal CDC estimates influenza caused:

• 49 million influenza illnesses, a number reaching more than the combined populations of Texas and Florida.

• 960,000 influenza hospitalizations, more than the number of staffed hospital beds in the United States.

• 79,000 deaths, more than the average number of people who attend the Super Bowl each year.

So far during this year's influenza season, Maine has recorded 1,114 positive influenza test results. The cases resulted in 88 hospitalizations.

According to the Maine CDC, the most effective method to prevent the spread of influenza is to get vaccinated.

“Influenza vaccination can reduce a person's risk of influenza illness, doctors' visits, and missed work and school due to influenza,” the Maine CDC said. “The influenza vaccine can also reduce the severity of the illness, should a person contract the illness. Studies show the influenza vaccine saves children's lives, prevents serious events associated with chronic lung disease, diabetes and heart disease, and prevents influenza-related hospitalization among working-age and older adults.”

"It's not too late to get an influenza vaccine to protect yourself and your loved ones," said Bates. "As long as influenza viruses are spreading and causing illness, vaccination should continue throughout the season."

The Maine CDC's "No Flu 4 You" guidelines to help stay healthy are:

Wash your hands;

Cover your cough;

Stay home when you're sick; and again,

Get vaccinated.

For more information on influenza, go to maineflu.gov

To find the nearest influenza vaccination center, go to vaccinefinder.org