Feb 17, 2009 5:24 pm US/Eastern
Officials: Flu Season Has Begun
MILLERSVILLE, Md. (WJZ) ―
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Medical clinics and the state department of health confirm it: the flu season has begun.
CBS
Medical clinics and the Maryland Department of Health confirm it: the flu season has begun.
As
Mike Schuh reports, the worst is yet to come.
The flu isn't an abstract concept to Cole White.
"I had a really high fever. It was like 104," he said.
So White came to a clinic in Millersville.
"People are pretty sick for seven to 10 days," said Deb Benoit, C.R.N.P. Minute Clinics.
Maryland's Department of Health says flu symptoms in the past two weeks have risen from one percent of doctor visits to six percent.
"Now we expect that. It's undeniable that flu is here and it's around the state," said Frances Phillips with the Maryland Department of Health.
Flu confirmation tests show an increase from one up to 11%.
"And the good news is that this is a strain that's included in this year's vaccine," Phillips said.
Prevention is straightforward: get a flu shot, wash your hands and, if you're sick, stay home. Cases are expected to increase in the next two weeks.
There are two anti-flu drugs available, but they only work if given within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
Federal authorities say Maryland is not one of the 16 states reporting widespread flu activity. Ours is more regional. The worst cases are in southern and western Maryland.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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