Flu Season Coming in Early This Year
By: Megan Hunter
Updated: December 8, 2012
It may seem too soon for flu season, but according to the Health Department--it's here.
Health officials say this is the earliest start to the flu season in decades, and it's far from over.
"Initially when the flu season started out we were having very light showing of cases that were being reported," said Catherine Person, a nurse with the Henry County Health Department. "Since Thanksgiving and the end of November we've seen an increase in the number of flu cases that comes up."
According to Person, people in the Wiregrass are feeling the effects of the early season.
The Health Department has seen nearly 100 people so far with flu-like symptoms.
"It could be because the weather is different," explained Person. "People are more mobile and out, they probably feel like they don't need a flu shot. But it's still out there and it's circulating."
Southern states are taking the biggest hit from the flu, including Alabama, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee, which have all reported higher than normal flu activity.
Person said it will only go up--if people aren't proactive.
"If you are sick and running a temperature and coughing, stay at home. Protect your coworkers. We encourage you to take a preventive measure. If you get your flu shot, then that's a good Christmas gift for everybody."
