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SALT LAKE CITY — Cases of the flu are on the increase across the country, and what really has doctors concerned is how just how quickly it is spreading.
The flu is now widespread in 35 states, up 25 states from last week, according to statistics from the Center for Disease Control. Emergency room doctors have reported seeing an increased number of patients.
"We're probably seeing approximately 50 to 70 patients more day than what we usually see," said Regional Medical Center of San Jose Dr. Elaine Nelson.
"We're all staying late for our shifts, working overtime and trying to get these patients seen," said Methodist Dallas Medical Center Dr. Brad Sellers. "We're employing all kinds of methods trying to get them in and out of the emergency department in a timely fashion."
Despite the spike in cases, infectious disease specialists said this is typical for a flu season. The dominant strain of flu this year has been H1N1.
"The influenza illness has really hit young adults and adults very hard. We're talking healthy adults," said Dallas County Health Director, Zach Thompson.
Some areas around the U.S. are experiencing a shortage of liquid Tamiful — a medication often given to children with the flu. Experts have said the shortage is temporary, and pharmacies have the ability to make the liquid for kids out of capsules.
The CDC has reported over 2,600 cases of flu this season with 10 children killed by the strain across the U.S.
