Flu season is on the rise, and a more severe strain dominates: What you need to know

Since the start of 2019, influenza has been steadily on the rise in the U.S., with the number of new cases currently above the national baseline. And while this flu season has not been quite as severe as seasons past, there has been a recent uptick in a less common flu strain, the H3N2 virus, now accounting for over 50 percent of new cases, according to recent data from the CDC.

Each week, the CDC comes out with weekly flu statistics from across the country. Many experts think we may be hitting the peak of flu cases now, according to Dr. Fayanju, but with the recent increase in cases of H3N2, it is more difficult to determine how long the season will last. Therefore, it is important to get vaccinated if you have not already, to keep an eye out if you develop any symptoms of the flu, and to contact your doctor if you do.

Ashley Knight-Greenfield, MD, is a diagnostic radiology resident and member of the ABC News Medical Unit.