The percentage of outpatient visits due to flu-like illness in Tennessee nearly doubled in the state Department of Health’s weekly report.

For the week ending December 20, 6.5% of statewide outpatient visits were linked to flu-like illness, an increase from 3.6% the week prior. This is down from 8.2% the same week last year.

The Southeast region, which excludes the Chattanooga and Hamilton County Metro, reported the state’s highest rate at 10.8%.

Additionally, the percentage of positive flu tests statewide jumped to 58.1% from 37.8% the week before.

The state has not reported any pediatric deaths.

Tennessee typically reports its highest number of flu cases in January and February.

The Tennessee Department of Health encourages anyone ages six months and older to get a flu shot, including pregnant women, infants, and the elderly, who are at the highest risk for complications.

Experts say it takes roughly two weeks for the vaccine to become effective.