Doctor says number of flu cases in Milwaukee leveling off

MILWAUKEE -- Flu symptoms like sniffles, aches and chills have become all-too-familiar for Matt Wooten and his family.

"It took me down around five days before Thanksgiving, and then it took the whole family out around Christmas, and I think we're experiencing a small relapse," Wooten said.

Dr. Matthew Gray works in the ER at Children's Hospital and says we are in the heart of flu season -- a period generally beginning in January and running through March. Dr. Gray says this year, there has been an early onset of the virus. Dr. Gray says now, he's seeing the number of cases level off.

Dr. Gray says that is a sign people are limiting their risk, listening to their doctor and getting the shot, for those who have put it off. 

"It's not too late. The good thing is that this year, the flu vaccine is pretty well matched to the strains that we're seeing in the community," Dr. Gray said.

Wooten said he prefers to fight the flu by limiting his family's exposure. 

"We wash hands and we don't share utensils and food with family members," Wooten said.