Now that December has arrived, so has the official start to flu season.

But when the H1N1 virus emerged in April, the spread of the flu never stopped, stretching last year's flu season into this one.

CDC officials say by the last week of November, 43 states had widespread flu activity.

And for one family in North Central Florida, H1N1 hit home, and they say they're grateful to have their wife and mother at home just in time for the holidays.

Tonya Gibbs is at home now, but in September she was diagnosed with pneumonia, and by early October, her condition had deteriorated so much she was admitted into North Florida Regional Medical Center and told she had swine flu.

Her doctor told her family he didn't think she would live.

Doctors say Gibbs' condition continues to improve, but they'll be monitoring her for the next six months to a year to make sure there wasn't any permanent damage to her lungs.

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