There has been a recent increase in cases, but they have been sporadic and fewer than in previous years, said Dr. Sarah Park of the department's disease outbreak and control division.

The danger of contracting the potentially serious illness hasn't passed, she cautioned. But, "we're doing OK so far. It's only been challenging as far as the flu vaccine shortage."

Since a nationwide flu vaccine shortage emerged in early October, health officials across the country have worried about the spread of influenza.

While many people think of flu as a nuisance or an inconvenience, the seasonal illness can be serious — even fatal. It is especially worrisome for the very young, the elderly and those suffering from chronic illnesses.

Nationally, most states are reporting similar relatively low numbers of cases, Park said.

"So far, knock on wood, we're having a mild-to-moderate season," she said.

Ayers said the Health Department is unsure whether the state has hit the peak of this flu season. The entire season runs from October to May. "This is probably the mildest season I've ever seen," Ayers said.

Park said the low case numbers are especially encouraging because the health department has worked with physicians to ensure that all cases are reported.

The state has given out all the flu vaccine it had targeted to the chronically ill, and people in nursing homes. Park said FluMist, a nasal spray vaccine, is still available to healthy individuals ages 5 to 49 and some doctors also may still have some conventional vaccine.

Despite the good news, Park urges people to take care to avoid the flu with good hand-washing, staying home when sick and other measures.

"Hand hygiene, hand hygiene, hand hygiene," Park said. "You prepare for the worst, but you hope for the best."