The Flu That's Swept The Nation: Symptoms, Vaccines And Relief

Thanks to a particularly virulent strain of the flu, this year's flu season has been one of the worst doctors can remember.

Packed emergency rooms, empty classrooms, and bustling college infirmaries are all signs that the vaccine just isn't working as well as it has in past years.

The Centers For Disease Control says the flu is now tearing through 49 out of 50 states. That's up from 44 states last week.

This year's flu shot seems to not be effective. It doesn't match two of the three main flu bugs knocking people down. Normally the vaccine eliminates more than 70% of potential cases, but this year it's about 40 percent.

"We do have a strain that is not covered in this year's flu vaccine," explained E.R. nurse Christina Miller.

Read the entire story on ABC.com.

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Read up on the makeover planned for the flu vaccine.

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Read here about sick days and why many people don't take them.

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Find out why blogger Doug Bremmer, back in November, thought flu shots were for idiots. Was he right? Tell us below in comments.

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Why blogger Dr. Rock Positano thinks it's important that we not self-diagnose colds and flus and why hand-washing is your best friend.

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Find out how to feel better here and here and here.

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Finally, how do we know that the flu has gone big time? When it makes an appearance on American Idol, as it did last week.

Tell us what you think in comments below. Have you had the flu yet this season? What remedies worked for you?