January 30, 2011
The Centers for Disease Control says flu is now widespread in North and South Carolina.
Doctors say that January and February are traditionally the worst months for the flu.This week, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control says there were 2460 positive rapid cases of flu reported. There were also 54 hospitalizations.
Partially to blame? Not as many people are getting flu shots.
Nurse practitioner Irene Hallock, who owns Forest Family Practice says the office has an excess of 200 vaccines.
"Compared to last year, we ran out of supplies a few times. We gave as many as 900 shots," Hallock says.
Juanita Corcione says she say her mom get sick after getting a flu shot this season, and that was reason enough for her to go without.
"I give my kids echinacea. We eat healthy, we exercise. And we stay healthy," she says.
Another concern for some, febrile seizures. According to a statement from the FDA issued late last week, there's been an increase in reports of febrile seizures among infants and children following this year's flu vaccine. Febrile seizures are seizures associated with fever.
The CDC says there are three major strains this season, H3N2, H1N1 and type B, and the current flu shot includes dead viruses of all strains. Meaning, Hallock says, you can not get the flu from the shot. More importantly, she says, it's the best way to prevent catching or spreading the flu.
Next Wednesday, Forest Family Practice in Carolina Forest will hold a free flu clinic:
Forest Family Practice
February 2nd at 2-5 p.m.
3874 Renee Dr. Suite B
843.903.4401
