To say it's been a pretty rough flu season would be an understatement. In fact, local hospitals are still packed with patients. 

"They're presenting with the classic symptoms of body aches, high-spiking fevers, nausea, vomiting. This time around, a lot of dehydration. It has been a very busy flu season both on the pediatric side and the adult side. We're seeing quite a variety of patients," said Dr. Colin McMahon, the chief medical officer at Buffalo General Medical Center.

The good news is that the latest numbers from the Erie County Health Department show the flu has peaked and is on the decline. But it's still widespread in the area and across the state.

"This is the largest peak we've seen in the last several years, so it was a pretty severe flu season," said Dr. Gale Burstein, the Erie County health commissioner.

McMahon added, "We did see a large volume, but the mortality rate was roughly the same."

If one believes they have the flu, doctors recommend they seek medical care as soon as possible and get the antiviral Tamiflu, which should be readily available with a prescription at their local pharmacy or any of the hospitals.

"It really helps limit the disease, limit the severity of the disease. You really want to try to start with within 24 hours of when symptoms start," said McMahon.

Doctors say the best way to avoid the flu is, of course, stay away from people who are sick, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds on a regular basis and always get the flu shot.

"The earlier influenza outbreak that we usually see is primarily Influenza A strains, but later in the spring, we usually see a spike of Influenza B strains. So we're not all out of the woods yet," said Burstein.

McMahon added, "It's never too late to get the flu shot. They're still available. When that second peak does come around, it won't be as long and as heavy, but if you do happen to get it, you're going to wish you had your flu shot."

Doctors urge anyone who does get the flu to stay home, rest and hydrate.