This year's flu vaccine estimated to be less effective: CDC

(WJBK) - The CDC is predicting the current flu vaccine is only going to be about 10-30 percent effective against the current strain. Normally, they hope for a 40-60 percent effectiveness. 

Dr. John Kulish at Providence Hospital tells us they've already seen an increase in flu patients this season. 

The main symptoms include a fever, coughing, body aches, pains, chills, vomiting and diarrhea. Dr. Kulish says if you can't control these symptoms at home, you should take a trip to the emergency room. 

The flu is spread with respiratory droplets, which means coughing and sneezing -- or by people coughing into their hands and then touching things.

So, the best way to protect yourself against the flu is to wash your hands often through the day, and keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth to keep the germs out of the body.