| West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio are among 36 states reporting widespread flu activity.
In Kentucky, 8 flu-related deaths have been reported.
There've been almost three times as many cases this flu season compared to last year, according to the CDC.
Health officials say in recent weeks H3N2 has been the predominant strain.
They say typically in years when that's the case, there are more hospitalizations, more severe disease, and people tend to get sicker.
When the flu is widespread, if it looks like the flu, it probably is the flu.
The vaccine available in the U.S. was reported as only 10 percent effective in preventing illness from H3N2.
The CDC says that percentage number is expected to go up. Also, while those vaccinated can still get sick, they typically experience a milder form of the illness. | 
