ATLANTA (AP) -- Health officials say the flu season is finally
here -- the slowest start in nearly 25 years. Until this month,
there weren't enough flu cases in the U.S. to signal the start
of the season. This is the latest start to a flu season since
the winter of 1987-1988. Flu season usually starts in December
or January. Often, it's half over by late February. CDC
officials don't know why this season was slow but it could be a
combination of factors. On Friday, CDC officials said one state
-- California -- has had widespread cases for the last two
weeks, and Missouri has seen a spike in reports of flu-like
illness. So far the flu vaccine seems well-matched to the
strains making people sick. Last flu season was considered
average.