Sneezing, coughing, body aches… Flu season is in full swing peaking earlier than last season.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting widespread increases in flu activity across 41 states last month, including New Jersey. Tina Tan is the State Epidemiologist for the NJ Department of Health. She says increases in flu cases don’t normally occur until January and February.

“It’s hard to say exactly why we’re seeing an increase in influenza activity here as well as nationwide, it could be issues related to the viruses that are circulating at this point as well other factors that might be attributable to peoples individual health as well.”

Tan says the best form of prevention is to get vaccinated, and says if you haven’t done so yet, it’s not too late.