More than 3 million people nationwide have been sickened by the flu this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC also says the infection has already killed 1,800 people since the official season began in late September.

According to the center, not only is flu season striking faster and earlier than usual, it's also bringing an odd mix of viruses.

Dr. John Zaso says dozens of children have been coming into his pediatric office in East Meadow with flu symptoms recently.

"Normally we have type A and B. And type B is very late in the spring. What we saw this season is Type B has become very prevalent early on, which is unusual. It's a little milder but tends to affect more children than adults. But now within the last week, type A flu, which is usually the one we see this time of year, had a tremendous takeoff and we're starting to see a lot more cases," says Zaso.

The best defense against the flu is getting a flu shot, says Zaso. He says it's still not too late to get one.

"That is still the best way to prevent. You need a few weeks to make immunity so, get it as quickly as possible," he says.

Doctors say when someone has flu symptoms and trouble breathing, it's crucial they visit their physician since the flu can lead to pneumonia.