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Sandra Yi reporting The flu is quickly spreading nationwide.
Health officials are working to make sure the remaining flu vaccine gets to the people who need it most.
The Centers for Disease Control says, the flu is widespread in at least 13 states, mostly in the West. But the flu season still has yet to peak. The CDC said today the flu season started early and officials expect to see more cases.
The main concern right now is supply and demand of the flu vaccine. Last week two makers of the vaccine reported they were out because of the surge in demand.
This year, manufacturers made 83 million doses of vaccine because last year, when 95 million doses were made, 12 million went unused and had to be thrown out.
Health officials are watching closely to see where most flu cases are developing.
Dr. Julie Gerberding, Head of the Centers for Disease Control: "We have a flu season that's getting off to a rapid start. It has not reached what we call the epidemic threshold yet in terms of deaths from influenza like illness, but we wouldn't be surprised to see that happen."
Health officials say they're looking to see if they can buy more vaccine from European manufacturers and also redistribute current vaccine.
Utah health officials says the supply is dwindling but there is vaccine available.
They are urging people who are at high risk for the flu--kids, the elderly and people with chronic diseases--to get vaccinated.
One new alternative this year is flu mist, an intra-nasal spray. But that is only for healthy people between five and 49 years old.
