BUFFALO, N.Y. — This flu season has been so bad, chances are you or someone you know has been sick with the flu, but there is some promising news when it comes to the virus.
Experts say the latest flu numbers indicate that the worst of it may be over across the country and in Western New York.
Dr. Thomas Russo of UBMD's infectious diseases division said a few more weeks of flu data is needed to confirm the peak, but said the most recent data shows good news.
The number of lab-confirmed cases in Erie County has been relatively flat over the past three weeks as opposed to major increases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there were fewer doctor visits across the country due to flu and flu-like symptoms last week than the previous two weeks.
Dr. Russo said less trips to the doctor or hospital likely means the spread of the 'A' strain — which tends to make people sicker and for longer periods of time — is also trending downward.
Flu tends to peak in February, but Dr. Russo said it's not uncommon for the lesser 'B' strain to stick around awhile longer.
There are still at least another six to eight weeks left in flu season, so we're not in the clear just yet.