LOS ANGELES (AP) — Health officials say California is seeing more cases of the flu, but the increase is not unexpected.

The state typically experiences a surge in flu activity in late December or early January, peaking in February or March.

California Department of Public Health director Dr. Ron Chapman says in the last several weeks the state has seen an "accelerated increase."

Despite the recent jump in influenza activity, California is among three states without widespread flu.

There have been no reported vaccine shortages and officials urge residents to get inoculated. People should also practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of germs such as washing hands and covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.