Center for Disease Control and Prevention Reports High Levels of Influenza-Like Illnesses in Alabama [VIDEOS]

If it seems like almost everyone you know is coming down with the flu, you're not alone: the CDC is reporting high levels of influenza-like illnesses in Alabama and across the south.  The map above is the CDC's most recent Weekly Influenza Survey; it indicates a high level of influenza-like illnesses reported to the CDC. The Alabama Department of Public Health's most recent map of confirmed influenza outbreaks suggests that the virus is more widespread in north and south Alabama; however, the most recent data is from the week of December 13, 2014, and with families traveling across the state for the holiday, it's likely that you or a loved one may have been exposed to the flu.

What can you do to keep you and your family safe? Check out this playlist from the U.S. Department for Health and Human Services--they have great information on everything from flu prevention to safely caring for a loved one with the virus.

Stress to your children the importance of proper hand washing, and look out for any influenza-like symptoms in your kids. Check out the video below for more information about kids and the flu.