Everett Clinic Dr. Yuan-Po Tu dicussed the 2016 flu season in the Herald's, "You still ave time to get immunized against the flu."

Dr. Tu contributed:

Dr. Yuan-Po Tu, who monitors influenza issues at The Everett Clinic, said flu cases began spreading locally between Christmas and New Years.

The number of patients testing positive in an initial test for influenza has doubled each week since then, he said. “We'll continue to see rising numbers of cases for at least three to five weeks,” Tu said.

However, flu isn't the only virus that's causing winter illnesses. Patients are seeking medical attention for a virus that causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes called cruise ship disease and a bug that causes upper respiratory problems, Tu said.

What to do

Immunizations are the best way to avoid the flu. Clinics and pharmacies still have vaccine available.

If you do get the flu, antiviral medications can shorten the time people have fever and other flu symptoms, especially if the medications are taken within 48 hours of the beginning of symptoms. Antiviral medications also reduce the chances of flu-related complications, such as pneumonia.

Drink liquids. Symptoms can be eased with over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Seek medical help if you have a fever for more than four days, have shortness of breath, cough up blood or experiences dizziness or chest pain.