Flu instances are on the rise. The CDC says Tennessee and Georgia are within the prime 5 states seeing excessive ranges of flu exercise.
“This looks like it is headed within the course of a heavy 12 months,” stated Phil Smith, Pharmacist with Entry Household Pharmacy.
Phil Smith says flu instances have been down within the final two years and now that COVID is slowing down he thinks many individuals are being reintroduced to the virus.
“We at all times can inform as a result of we see extra prescriptions for Tamiflu and Xofluza, that are the 2 flu meds,” stated Smith.
Smith says Tennessee noticed a flu outbreak three weeks sooner than regular.
And UT well being consultants warn this flu season may very well be extra extreme than regular.
Smith says they’ve already administered 2,000 flu photographs, which he says is much more than common, and he encourages others to do the identical.
“So you may nonetheless get the flu with the flu shot, it could forestall you from getting actually sick, which is the objective, type of just like the COVID vaccine too,” stated Smith.
Individuals have been attending extra massive gatherings and never carrying a masks, which Smith says is nice. However he says it is given the flu virus an opportunity to unfold.
“Particularly children, small children who have been born over COVID are going to be seeing the flu probably for the primary time,” stated Smith.
Smith recommends getting a flu shot and avoiding massive crowds when you can.
Widespread signs to look out for embody physique aches, congestion and coughing.
“Flu simply hits you actual fast, that may very well be an indication you bought the flu, perhaps it’s essential keep round the home a number of days,” stated Smith.
You will get a flu shot at most Pharmacies and stroll in clinics.