Flu off to early start this year

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The flu is off to an early and aggressive start this season.

The Centers for Disease Control says this is the earliest onset of influenza in a decade. High numbers of flu cases have been reported in five Southern states. Although there have not been very many cases so far in New York State, influenza has been reported in 44 counties, including Erie County.

In Texas, one of the hard-hit states, there's a surprising number of serious cases.

John Tillman of Dennison, TX said, "This hospital is filled with people with the flu. The emergency room is filled with people with the flu that should have had their flu shots."

Nurse David Cummings said, "People are starting off with a cold, cough, congestion. But then day two or so it starts turning into the whole body aches and fevers and really more of the full blown flu symptoms."

It's easy to avoid. The most important message now is that there's still time to get immunized against influenza.

The vast majority of flu strains that have been identified in patients are covered by this year's vaccine. Anybody over 6 months of age should be vaccinated, unless you have a particular reason not to.

It's especially important for children. Two children have died so far this year, and even previously healthy children may become seriously ill - and they catch it from adults. So get the shot.

"The flu is here now. If you procrastinated, that's okay. But go get the flu shot now before someone brings the flu to you in your house," Cummings said.