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Flu Season Comes Early This Year

Utah officials say  flu season has arrived early and remains active, but the strain doesn't appear dangerous.

The influenza has sent 233 people to Utah hospitals, about half the usual number for a full season.

No deaths have been reported.

Utah Department of Health epidemiologist, Valoree Vernon, says the flu season arrived about a month early this year.

Vernon says flu cases spiked last week, dropped slightly this week, and could spike again next week.

The flu season normally runs through February.

Utah’s vaccine supply is holding steady with no reports of shortages.

Vernon says federal officials have calculated this year’s vaccine at 62 percent effective, which is about normal.