SPRINGFIELD, IL (IRN) - Influenza is on the upswing in Illinois, along with most of the rest of the nation.

Almost 150 people have been admitted to intensive care units with the flu this season and six have died, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

U.S. health officials say the strain of influenza virus going around this year has been linked to more hospital admissions and deaths.

The flu-related deaths have been in Cook, Will and Coles counties. The people who died have been in their 50s, 60s and elderly, according to the state health department.

It isn’t too late to get a flu shot, and there’s no shortage of flu vaccine. This year’s vaccine is a good match for the viruses circulating this year, one indication of how well the vaccine should work.

The state health department’s website has a map with lists of local health departments that provide flu shots. People should first contact their doctors or other health care providers. Many drug stores also provide flu vaccine.

Illinois is among 29 states reporting high flu activity.