LAFOLLETTE, TN. (WLAF)- It is peak flu season.
While January and February are the two months of the year influenza sees an uptick in the number of cases reported, the Center for Disease Control is reporting the flu is already widespread.

In Campbell County, it appears the flu is prevalent here as well, according to Terry’s Pharmacy Manager Shawn Lynch.
“We have seen dozens of cases already,” Lynch said.
The flu can last five to seven days with symptoms that can appear even earlier. Symptoms can mimic a cold but are more severe, he said. “If anyone feels as like they are getting a cold, they should go to the doctor,” Lynch said.
If the flu is detected early enough, a prescription for Tamiflu can be written.
“The best defense is getting the flu shot,” Lynch said. He advised that people should get the shot as soon as possible because it takes 14 days for it to become effective.
All people over the age of six months should be vaccinated for the flu under Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. The most at risk population is children and the elderly, according to Lynch. This is the population where the flu can have dire results.
Being vaccinated against the flu can be critical for seniors due to the complications the illness can cause including hospitalization or death, the CDC advised.
Vaccinations are available at Terry’s without an appointment. Customers can walk in, show their insurance card and be vaccinated on the spot. Medicare will cover the shot for seniors, Lynch said.
Those age 65 and over should also get a pneumonia shot to accompany their flu vaccines. These can also be obtained at Terry’s with no co-pay, appointment or prescription.
People with flu can spread it to others up to about six feet away, according to the CDC.

The map from the CDC indicates the country is in the midst of a severe flu season.

Adults are most contagious in the first three to four days after their illness begins. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick. Children and some people with weakened immune systems may pass the virus for longer than seven days.
Lynch recommended people wash their hands often as a means of defense against the flu. Products such as Zinc and Vitamin C “may help” as well, he said.
For those who prefer a homeopathic route, Lynch said Terry’s has an Elderberry Tonic that could help boost their immune systems. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 1/13/20 6AM)