SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The South Dakota Health Department says there have been 44 confirmed cases of influenza so far this season, about average.
Doctor Lon Kightlinger says 14 new cases were reported last week.
Kightlinger says influenza is "out there, it's increasing, it's going to increase some more."
Kightlinger says the bitter cold weather doesn't play a role in the number of flu cases.
He says California has way more flu cases, per capita, than South Dakota does. North Carolina, Oklahoma and Virginia are mild weather states and they have a lot more influenza. He says the entire country gets hit by the bug.
He says there's still time for a flu shot, but don't delay.
Kightlinger says if you haven't gotten a flu shot, don't wait until next week, go today because flu numbers are increasing and South Dakota is on the cusp of an outbreak.
The Centers for Disease Control says February is the peak month for flu in the United States.