McHenry County and the rest of Illinois are experiencing one of the worst flu seasons in years, so it is important that everyone take precautions to help prevent themselves and others from contracting the nasty bug.

Illinois is one of 41 states with higher-than-normal levels of flu activity, according to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Illinois hasn’t seen such widespread influenza this early in the season since 2003. During a one-week period in late December,the state recorded 31 flu-related admissions to hospital intensive care units. Three of those resulted in deaths.

Typical flu symptoms include fever, headache, extreme fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children.