AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) State statistics report that more Maine residents have come down with the flu this year, but fewer cases resulted in hospitalization.

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported Wednesday that over 8,000 Mainers have tested positive for the flu through March 30 in the 2018-2019 flu season and 880 have been hospitalized. The Portland Press Herald reports about 7,600 residents were sick with the flu last season, but over 1,400 required hospitalizations.

Flu season generally runs from October through May and the worst months are often January, February and March.

Maine state epidemiologist Siiri Bennett says the predominant flu strain circulating this season is milder than last season’s strain.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports the flu vaccine was 47% effective at disease prevention this year.