( CNN ) -- The flu was a big deal at the beginning of January , when nearly all states were reporting widespread influenza activity . It 's still out there , with elevated levels in most states , and can have serious consequences . But the reported activity of influenza-like illness has decreased nationwide . The most recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , released Friday , concludes that `` influenza activity remained elevated in the United States , but decreased in most areas '' in the week of January 27 to February 2 , for which the latest information is available . What to do if you have the flu . In the latest report , 38 states reported widespread influenza activity , down from 42 the week before . Although the proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness , 3.6 % , is still above the national baseline of 2.2 % , it is lower than the previous week 's estimate of 4.2 % . The disease is still claiming lives , however . `` The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza ( P & I ) was above the epidemic threshold , '' the report said . The number of pediatric deaths from influenza rose by 14 , for a total of 59 this season . While that is more than the 34 pediatric deaths for all of last year 's season , it is much lower than the 153 pediatric deaths in the 2003 to 2004 season , which saw a similar H3N2 virus responsible for a lot of illness , for example . Adult deaths due to flu are not tracked by the CDC . Populations most at risk of serious illness from the flu should see their doctor if they become ill , CDC director Dr. Thomas Frieden said previously . These include very young children , senior citizens and people with underlying health conditions . If a patient is short of breath or ca n't keep fluids down because of nausea , these are signs of a problem that needs immediate attention , said Dr. David Zich , internal medicine and emergency medicine physician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago . But most patients should not go to an emergency room , he said . Just get plenty of rest and take painkillers to help with muscle aches , Zich said . Does influenza sorbet relieve your flu symptoms ? The flu vaccine is about 62 % effective , but it 's the best tool available to prevent the illness , health officials say .
CDC : 38 states reported widespread influenza activity from January 27 to February 2 . The number of pediatric deaths from influenza rose by 14 . Populations most at risk should see their doctor if they become ill .