New government figures show that flu cases seem to be leveling off nationwide.

Flu activityis declining in most regions — althoughit’s still rising in the West.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that hospitalizations and deaths spiked again last week, especially among the elderly.

The CDC says quick treatment with antiviral medicine is important, in particular for the very young or old — though the season’s first flu case resistant to treatment with Tamiflu was reported yesterday.

Eight more children have died from the flu, bringing this season’s total pediatric deaths to 37. About 100 children die in an average flu season.