(FOX NEWS' RICK LEVENTHAL) There's a better outlook when it comes to the season flu. The latest reports show the number of cases in some parts of the country are dropping. The growing flu outbreak is having a dramatic impact, but for some, the worst is over. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports as of last week the flu was widespread in 47 states, up from 41 the week before, but many of the cases may be mild. The CDC notes the number of states hit hard is now 24, down from 29. The southern U.S. is seeing the most improvement. That's where the flu virus got a head start back in November, much earlier than the rest of the nation. Health officials are urging people who aren't already sick to get a flu shot as soon as possible.

"Flu is so severe, and I think this is a good reminder that when flu circulates in the United States, we get thousands of deaths, or tens of thousands of deaths, and hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations," says CDC Dr. Joseph Bresee. "So, we really want folks to think about that and make sure they get vaccinated. If they haven't gotten vaccinated yet this year, go out and get it now."

Pennsylvania is one of the states hit hard by the virus, with about 11,000 confirmed cases so far, and 22 deaths. The elderly are most vulnerable. People over the age of 65 accounting for 20 of the 22 deaths. One hospital in Allentown built a mobile surge tent outside to treat victims with milder cases of the virus because of the overwhelming number of patients flowing into the ER. The CDC says the current flu vaccine has proven 62% effective. The flu outlook is constantly changing. You can get the latest 24/7 at Fox17.com. Just look for FLU under HOT TOPICS.
Latest Reports Show Number of Flu Cases in Some Parts of the Country are Dropping