(WTXL) - Medical experts says this year's flu season started earlier than it has in years.
A new Centers for Disease Control report shows influenza could be an even bigger worldwide problem than previously anticipated.
New estimates released by the CDC show 291,000 to 646,000 people worldwide die from flu related respiratory illnesses each year.
That's up from the previous estimate of 250,000 to 500,000.
Death from the flu is already a reality for an Arizona family.
Alani Murrieta, a 20-year-old mother of two, died a day after being diagnosed with the virus.
Despite the National Institutes of Health warning, this season's flu vaccine may only be 10 percent effective against one potentially severe strain of flu.
But doctors advise to get the flu vaccine anyway and recommend that people wash their hands often and stay home when sick.
MOBILE USERS: Download our WTXL news app on your Apple and Android devices for the latest from South Georgia and North Florida. Also, download our WTXL Weather Now app for Apple and Android devices to get the latest local weather wherever you go.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for additional local news and hourly updates.
Copyright 2017 WTXL via Raycom News Network. All rights reserved.
