Flu Bug Biting Earlier Than Normal

It's only September and doctor's offices are already swamped with flu patients. The typical peak of flu season is January and February but flu activity can sometimes pop up as early as late summer.  And that's exactly what is happening this yar.

Dr. Bill Barron said the virus is so sporadic and that's why he isn't surprise by the number of people already coming in with the flu. "We're seeing one or two day right now. Last week there were a few days we were seeing three or four people per day," said Barron.

With the number of cases only growing, the noted pediatric physician says the time to get your flu shot is now. "Some people want to wait to November because they think the flu is going to come in January. We never know we may get a lot of it (flu) in October, so now is the time to get your flu shot."

Barron recommends everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated. It takes the vaccine about two weeks to provide protection. It's also recommended that those under nine years should get two vaccinations the first year they are administered the shots.

This year's vaccine protects against the influenza A H1N1, the influenza H3N2; and influenza B.

Barron said he's also seeing  cases of strain B

The Alabama Department of Public Health is holding a flu clinic Wednesday at the Henry County health department.

Flu shots are $5 without insurance.