Though we re already halfway through February, this year s influenza season is just starting to pick up steam. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this is the slowest start to the flu season in almost thirty years. Normally the virus prevails in January, though it can hit as early as October and can continue as late as May.
Areas in the central and northwestern U.S. are only now reporting an uptick in flu-like illnesses, while California is already experiencing widespread flu activity. As Dr. Richard Zimmerman, a professor of family medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, explains, It s fairly common for the west to precede the east as far as the spread of the virus is concerned. Dr. Zimmerman also reminds everyone that this is really the last chance to get vaccinated, since it takes about one to two weeks for the vaccine to be effective.
ACSH seconds Dr. Zimmerman s recommendation and encourages folks to visit their local pharmacy or healthcare professional to get immunized while it s not too late!
