Seasonal sniffles could signal more than just a mild cold this year, as health officials report a significant uptick in influenza cases across East Tennessee. According to the latest data from the Tennessee Department of Health, the region experienced “high” to “very high” levels of flu activity in the week preceding Christmas. This surge in cases serves as a reminder for residents to remain vigilant about their health, especially when experiencing symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, and body aches.