Flu Season Getting Underway

It looks like it could be a rough flu season. Some hospitals in Ohio say they’re already seeing serious and sometime life threatening cases of the virus.

So far, there haven’t been any cases in Muskingum County. Dr. Vicki Whitacre at the Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department said it could be coming soon.

"There’s more people presenting to our emergency room here locally with flu like symptoms," said Whitacre. "They might have been tested, nor have we have any positives for flu yet, but the symptoms are starting."

Doctor Whitacre said taking care of yourself is very important during this time. She recommends if you are feeling ill or showing symptoms of the flu to stay home from work. She added that you can still get your flu shot.

"Flu comes every year in the cold months, and we’re going to see it, I’m sure," said Whitacre. "The more people that are immunized the less cases we will have though. Still not too late to get your shot."

It takes about two to three weeks for the shot to take effect, so as we’re getting close to the major flu season Whitacre says you could still get your shot this week before flu season usually is the strongest.