Two more people have died from the flu in Middle Tennessee as of Monday afternoon. The Center for Disease Control says Tennessee is becoming one of  the hardest hit states with the flu epidemic so far. And yes, the CDC says nationally the flu has reached epidemic levels.

The patients were ages 36 and 86, but further details such as their gender have yet to be released.

They are among 5 flu-related deaths total in the Mid State area so far this season bringing the state-wide total to nine.

To date, 450 people have been hospitalized in the Middle Tennessee area with confirmed cases of influenza.

Walgreen’s pharmacy has been keeping tabs on the flu, ranking the highest activity in the 50 states, and of the hundreds of cities they’re tracking, Chattanooga lands a spot at number one.

Trailing not far behind is Knoxville, Nashville and the Tri-Cities.

Doctors and health officials have previously warned this season is expected to be worse with more cases and harsher symptoms.

Part of the reason is because the strain of flu going around, H3N2, is different from the strain typically held off by the vaccine, H1N1. The current strain mutated, causing some to remain susceptible despite getting the flu shot.

Everyone is still encouraged to get the shot if they haven’t already. It still protects against other strains of the flu as well as softens the symptoms when and if the flu is contracted.