BOSTON -- Normally the flu season doesn't really start until January in New England, but emergency rooms like the one at the Boston Medical Center are already getting swamped and there's a lot of concern that as people travel and get together with family members next week for Thanksgiving things may only get worse.

According to the Boston Herald, health officials are starting to see some pretty alarming numbers.

So far this fall, the number of flu cases is about 75 percent higher than the past two winter flu seasons.

About 7 percent of people seeking treatment at the ER are complaining of flu-like symptoms, which compares to less than 1 percent at this time last year.

That's taking a toll on hospital workers. One hospital reported that a third of its nurses are out with the flu.'

Health care experts said avoiding coming into contact with the virus is key.

Some experts feel the H1N1 flu outbreak may be at its peak right now, but others are fearing there could be another surge this winter.

In the meantime, prevention and frequent hand washing remain critically important for those who want to avoid winding up at the hospital.