The flu has sickened about 7 million in the U.S. so far, CDC estimates

Flu has sickened between 6 and 7 million people in the United States so far this season, sending about half to the doctor for fever, chills and other influenza symptoms, according to estimates released Friday by federal health officials.

Of those who sought medical care, between 69,000 and 84,000 people have been hospitalized, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Agency officials are providing the estimates for the first time during flu season to underscore the risks of serious complications of the respiratory virus and to encourage people to get vaccinated. In the past, the CDC provided these estimates at the end of each flu season.