With the height of the flu season approaching, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned American citizens that the flu virus continues to mutate and that flu shots are becoming less effective.

The new warning by the CDC was issued as health officials in the state of Virginia reported the deaths of two preschool-age children due to flu in eastern Virginia.

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The CDC also noted widespread cases of flu in 29 states as it said that a mutated strain of the flu virus is becoming more widespread.

In Virginia, a spokesman for the state's health department said the two children who have died from flu recently were aged 4 or under.

The state's medical privacy laws prevent the disclosure of further details.

In Delaware, one of the 29 states identified to have widespread flu status, more than 350 confirmed cases with two fatalities were recorded.

The Delaware Division of Public Health also urge anyone to get vaccinated as it considers vaccination to be the best method of protection against the seasonal virus.

The CDC earlier announced that a flu vaccine was well-matched to combat about 46 percent of the strains. That figure, however, fell to about 33 percent this week, making the current vaccine less effective.

"We can't tell whether the vaccine won't work against the drifted strains or will just work less well, but it's something that we're really keeping our eye on," said CDC's Dr. Ann Schuchat.

The CDC, however, continues to urge the public to get vaccinated because flu shots continue to offer some protection. Health officials also urged the public to practice frequent hand washing to prevent the spread of germs.

Health officials also suggest that people with flu-like symptoms to contact their health providers when planning to take medications or when taking antiviral medications such as Tamiflu and Relenza.

TagsFlu Virus, US Flu