20 people already hospitalized with flu in Wisconsin

 -State health officials confirmed Tuesday that already 20 people were hospitalized in Wisconsin because of the flu.

Usually this early in the season the number is one or two.

But this doesn't have to be the start of a major outbreak.

\"Proper hand hygiene and vaccination make the flu preventable,\" said Bridget Clementi of Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.

The CDC urges anyone six months or older to get vaccinated.

The recent hospitalizations included children and the elderly who are most susceptible.

Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. Approximately 5-20% of U.S. residents get the flu each year.

Flu season typically starts in the fall and peaks in January or February.

Flu-related complications include pneumonia and dehydration.

Illness from seasonal flu usually lasts one to two weeks.