The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting very high flu activity in Georgia as cases continue rising across the state and the country.

According to the CDC, Georgia’s flu activity so far this season is in the “very high” category, a level that reflects widespread influenza-like illness and increased reports of flu impacting communities. The CDC’s latest national estimates show the flu season is already significant, with at least 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations, and 3,100 deaths linked to influenza so far.

Health officials continue to remind families that flu can be especially dangerous for those at higher risk—particularly young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions. Even for otherwise healthy people, the flu can hit hard and lead to missed school and work, dehydration, and complications that may require medical care.

The CDC continues to recommend annual flu vaccination as the best tool to reduce the risk of severe illness. Even when the vaccine doesn’t fully prevent infection, health experts say it can lower the severity of symptoms, reduce the length of illness, and cut down the spread to others.

The CDC also urges common-sense precautions: wash hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, avoid close contact with sick individuals when possible, and stay home if you’re ill—especially until fever-free without medication.