The flu outbreak that has been sweeping the US since mid-November has been killing 100 people per week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said.

According to CDC figures released on Friday, there have been hundreds of flu deaths between October 7 and December 23, a rate that is around double last year’s figure of 322.

With 14,000 new cases last week, the total number of those with the flu rose to more than 74,000, and pediatric deaths are on the rise.

With 14,000 new cases bringing the total number of those with the flu to more than 74,000, more pediatric deaths are on the rise

More than 30 children have died from influenza since October, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Charlie Herndon had a fever of 103 but noticed something was wrong

Charlie Herndon, 10, managed to possibly save her life when she started screaming in her Toledo, Ohio, home.

'I couldn't really breathe, so I just screamed throughout the whole house, "somebody call 911,"' Charlie said to CBS News.

Her mother, Kristina Valenzia, rushed her to the emergency room but the girl was soon transferred to ProMedica Toledo Children's Hospital.

'She had a fever of 103,' Valenzia added. 'They took the influenza test, and it came back positive.'

More than 30 children have died from influenza since October, according to the Centers for Disease Control And Prevention.

Forty-nine states have been impacted by the flu.

The vaccine is said to be about 20 to 30 percent effective

In California, hospitals have built tents outside to help deal with patient overflow

'The dominant flu virus out there is one we call H3N2 – it's a more severe virus,' said Dr William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

He added that the vaccine is about 30 percent effective.

With the flu vaccine, 'even if you've gotten the flu, despite having the vaccine, you're likely to have a less severe case. You're less likely to have complications like pneumonia, having to be hospitalized and dying,' Schaffner said.

More extreme measures are being taken across the country to try to qualm the disease.

In California, hospitals have built tents outside to help deal with patient overflow.

Charlie battled pneumonia and had to undergo three weeks of treatments but is now fine.

Flu season peaks in February and the CDC recommends that people get their vaccinations right away.