A flu epidemic is gripping America and it's got everyone worried.

15,000 cases of the flu have already been reported with widespread outbreaks in 41 states. The Center For Disease Control says the Southern and South-Eastern states are being hit the hardest.

But it's not too late to get a flu shot. Fox News channel's Megan Kelly got a flu shot right on the air Monday.

This year's agressive flu strain has left 2,000 patients hospitalized. Eighteen children have died, including 17-year-old Texas student Max Schwolert who contracted the flu while on vacation in Wisconsin.

Authorities are encouraging everyone to get a flu shot. The deadly flu season is expected to last two more months. It's not too late to protect yourself.