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Flu season is still in its early stages, but is already exceeding peak levels compared with previous years.

Some 1,315 people statewide tested positive for influenza during the last full week in December, according to data released Friday by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. That's close to the peak from the 2017-18 flu season and more than at any point in 2016-17.

In particular, influenza A is already at its highest reported levels in at least three years.

In Lancaster County, the flu accounted for some 8 percent of visits to health care providers from Dec. 23-29, higher than at any point in the past five years.

The predominant local virus is H3N2, with H1N1 also circulating around Lincoln, according to the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department.

Children 12 and under made up more than half the positive flu reports in Lancaster County, despite schools being out for winter break.

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