NATIONWIDE, (WOWO/AP) – The worst of the nation’s flu season is finally over as those going to the doctor with flu-related illnesses continue to decline.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention report 32 states with heavy patient flu traffic last week, which is down from 43 states last month.

U.S. health officials said Friday the flu season began early this year, and the intensity level was among the highest seen in a decade.