CDC warns flu season not over just yet

ORLANDO, Fla. (FOX 35 Orlando) - Don’t pack away the hand sanitizer yet. Flu season is far from over and the Centers for Disease Control warns the number of cases has yet to peak.

Doctors are warning that a third wave of the virus is coming. If you’ve come down with the flu in the last few weeks, you’re not alone. The good news is it’s been a more mild season. The bad news is the CDC says the worst is yet to come.

The feelings of the flu are hard to forget.

“You feel like you're hit by a truck for like, seven days. It takes a while to recover,” said Leeann Stephenson, of Orlando.

Just ask Jonathan Collazo, who’s still getting over the flu after three weeks.

“Fever went up to 102, cold sweats, hot flashes,” said Collazo.

But health officials are now warning people that flu season is picking up again over the next few weeks.

"Right now we're seeing the highest level of activity that we've seen so far this season. It may continue for several weeks. The peak may come at different times in different parts of the country,” said CDC epidemiologist Dr. Brendan Flannery.

Of the 28 flu-related childhood deaths across the country this season, three were in Florida. The Southeast has more of an “A” strain of the flu, known to cause more severe diseases.  While the vaccine is only considered 47 percent effective, state health officials still say it’s worth it.

“We are definitely going to be seeing more flu cases coming into our health care centers, hospitals and that's why we encourage vaccination,” Kevin Watler with the Florida Department of Health.

Collazo never got the vaccine this year, but fear of getting the flu again is enough to change his mind.

“I think having experienced that a few weeks ago, if you have to do it, you have to do it.”

It’s not too late to get a flu shot. Here’s where you can get one near you.