Flu cases surge as doctors urge vaccination during peak season

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — Flu cases are ramping up in the area, with health officials reporting a sharp increase in emergency department visits in the last few weeks. 

Why doctors are urging people to take precautions now, including getting vaccinated, in the midst of peak flu season. 

Flu season is running rampant, with the number of cases climbing daily. 

The classic flu symptoms — fatigue, coughing, fever, and chills — can show up in variations and can affect all generations from young children to older adults. 

Doctors recommend getting the flu shot as the most preventative measure for the flu, along with washing your hands periodically and staying home if you feel il, to help prevent the spread.  

Austin Sherman is a medical doctor and family physician For Novant Health. 

He says it is still important to get your flu shot now because flu season isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. 

“Flu season really kind of goes all the way up until like March-ish time and with the amount of flu that we’re seeing this season; we’re definitely in full flu season effect. So, still recommend to get your flu shot, if you have not already gotten it, you definitely can,” said Sherman. 

You can receive a flu vaccine from your family practitioner or local pharmacies.