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VA among 35 states with widespread flu activity

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RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - According to the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention, 35 states have now reported widespread flu activity.

Virginia is one of them, along with nearby states such as North Carolina and Pennsylvania. However, other states close by like Maryland and West Virginia have not reported widespread activity.

CBS 6 asked Dr. David Trump with the Virginia Department of Health if that is unusual for neighboring states not to have the same widespread activity.

"How it behaves and how it spreads is different year to year, and it can also be a little diferent as it takes it's course through the population around the country," said Dr. Trump.

The weather in Central Virginia is expected to warm up over the weekend, and many people believe going from extreme cold to warmer temperatures may play a role in catching the virus.

Dr. Trump said the changes in temperatures doesn't play a role in catching the virus. He said people are more prone to catching the flu in the January months as well as winter.

Dr. Trump said it's still not too late to get the flu shot to prevent getting the virus.