Decatur, IL (WAND) – Flu season is rocking the country and the state of Illinois.

CDC data shows that doctor’s visits for flu-like symptoms are at the highest levels in more than 25 years.

“The volume just through the emergency department of patients just coming in with respiratory illness, a large portion of which is influenza, or requiring hospitalization, is definitely on the upswing,” said Dr. Ryan Jennings at HSHS.

Jennings also said we haven’t reached the peak of flu season yet.

“We’re going to continue to see an uphill climb, at least for a while,” Jennings said. “We’re really paralleling fairly close to last year. Our highest point in the season last year was about the first week in February in the local region. That looks like that could be a very similar trajectory.”

As for when you should go to the hospital, only if your symptoms persist for more than a few days or if you cannot control the symptoms.

“You always worry if the fever and the really severe chills are persisting longer than that, or very much worry when someone gets better and then it comes back,” Jennings said. “Those are things that you should definitely be evaluated by a provider.”

Jennings added that best practices for trying to stay healthy or minimizing symptoms are getting the flu vaccine, washing your hands thoroughly and often, and taking Tamiflu, especially for those who are immunocompromised.