MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Right now is actually considered "the peak" for the flu season.

As of January 23, there have been 224 flu cases reported to the Michigan Department of Community Health and 218 confirmed lab cases as well.

The number of flu cases are lower this year than they were last year.

However, according to Angela Minicuci, Public Information Officer for the Michigan Department of Community Health, the number of H1N1 cases are dramatically higher.

Because of that, there have been a lot more hospitalizations and a lot more people severely ill, who would otherwise be healthy, young adults.

Minicuci said, "H1N1 is now something that we see every year. It's one of the flu strains that's out there circling in the environment. But it tends to be a strain that makes healthy, young adults very ill, unlike the other strains. Typically, flu affects infants and the eldery, people with weakened immune systems. But H1N1, that stain of flu, makes very healthy people very sick."

Minicuci said the best way to prevent yourself from getting the flu is to get vaccinated.

But there are other things you can do to prevent yourself and others around you from getting the flu that are as simple as washing your hands with soap and water and wiping down surfaces in your household.