FLU SEASON COMES EARLY

  

The flu is the first big news of the new year in the Brazos Valley.  Health officials say the flu season is already in full swing and they are recommending  for everyone six months or older to get a flu shot.

Dr. Barbara Pierce of the College Station Medical Center thinks the H1N1 strain is the predominate strain right now.  She says there is H1N1 in every vaccine available right now.

Last week, 228 cases of the flu were reported in Brazos County.  That’s 75 more than the same time last year. 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says that Texas is one of six states listed as having a high level of influenza type illnesses. 

Doctors say practicing good hygiene, regularly washing hands and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze are great measures to take in preventing the spread of the flu virus.  While there are medications to treat the flu, doctors say they have to be taken within 48 hours of the virus onset.   That means people who suspected they have contracted a strain of the flu and have not been vaccinated should have a quick visit to their doctor.