The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that Virginia is the first state in the country to report the flu in wide areas, the Washington Post reports.
The state health department warned that there could be a high number of cases the next six to eight weeks after a slow start this season.
High fever, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting and body aches are symptoms of the flu, but the CDC reminds that many illnesses, including the common cold, have similar symptoms.
The CDC's weekly survey has found only localized outbreaks in Maryland and sporadic cases in D.C. This year's flu vaccine matches well with this year's strain, health officials said, which may contribute to the flu's slow start this year.
