Flu season is getting rough. It seems just about everyone knows someone who has had the flu, or has had it themselves.

According to Reuters, the flu has reached epidemic levels, with 7.3 percent of deaths in the United States last week linked to the flu or pneumonia. Twenty children have died so far this flu season.

The Cuyahoga County Board of Health tracks influenza activity by the week. According to the most recent report, which ended on Jan. 5, flu activity in the county is still “widespread,” but the figures look a bit better than last week.

Flu-related hospitalizations were down a bit after a sharp increase last week. This week, there were 59 flu-related hospitalizations. Last week, there were 134, and the week before, there were 73. About 4 percent of all emergency department visits were for fever or flu symptoms, down from 4.9 percent the week before. 

Here's information on where to get your flu shot, and some flu advice from a local doctor.

To help people get through flu season, the Red Cross has information on prevention, taking care of someone with the flu, and taking care of yourself while doing so.

The Red Cross also gives a supply list for caretakers, including soap, disposable gloves, acetaminophen and ibuprofen, hand sanitizer, paper towels, tissues, and disinfecting wipes.

Click on the PDF below the photo for more information from the Red Cross.

The medical community urges people to get flu shots. Have you received a flu shot this flu season? Take our poll and talk about the flu and flu shots in the comments.