Influenza outbreak: How the flu is affecting Florida

Compared to statistics from last year, health experts with the Center for Disease Control said the flu season has peaked five weeks early.

More people are coming down with the flu sooner according to newly released numbers.

Experts said Florida has only seen mild to moderate cases so far, but they do believe this may be one of the worst flu seasons.

Health experts said they've seen a significant amount of flu activity in 41 states with 18 deaths in children.

The flu season usually begins in November and peaks around late January, early February.

CDC officials said, there's no clear reason for the spike.

In Florida, 33 counties have reported mild activity of the flu including Palm Beach County, Martin County and Okeechobee County.

20 counties in Florida have reports of moderate cases which include Saint Lucie County and Indian River County.