There may be light at the end of the tunnel for this year's deadly flu season, but officials say people should still be cautious.

The CDC says that for the first time this season, the number of people seeing doctors for flu-like symptoms is down. However, the agency cautions the flu is still widespread, with half the country experiencing high activity.

For the week ending Feb. 17, flu activity remained elevated in most states. Five states - Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Utah and Wisconsin - reported moderate activity of flu-like illness. 

Three states - Florida, Idaho and Washington - experienced low activity. Maine, Montana and North Dakota showed only minimal activity.

High activity of flu-like illness continued in the remaining 39 states from coast to coast.

People are still being urged to protect themselves against the flu by getting the flu shot, avoiding contact with sick people and washing their hands often with soap and water.