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Peak flu season right around the corner

Posted at 10:56 AM, Dec 18, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-18 19:52:16-05

The peak of flu season is right around the corner and doctors are urging people to get their flu shots.

Compared to 2017, flu numbers in Nueces County are down. There were 89 confirmed cases of the flu last week in Nueces County, compared with 220 confirmed cases at this same time last year.

The flu virus is at our fingertips. It can live on hard surfaces for 24 hours and be spread a full day before a person knows he or she has the symptoms. One local doctor says to not let your guard down, as the worst is yet to come.

Initially, the flu may seem like a common cold with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. But colds usually develop slowly, whereas the flu tends to come on suddenly. And although a cold can be a nuisance, you usually feel much worse with the flu.

Common signs and symptoms of the flu include:

  • Fever over 100.4 F (38 C)
  • Aching muscles
  • Chills and sweats
  • Headache
  • Dry, persistent cough
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Nasal congestion
  • Sore throat

Tune in to KRIS 6 News at 5 and 6 for more details about what to expect with this year’s flu.