DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — As flu season approaches, health experts encourage people to be prepared by Halloween time.
“They really should get the flu shot,” Maria Herrera-Golden said.
Herrera-Golden is the lead pharmacy technician at Josef’s Pharmacy in Durham. She said although the vaccine turnout has been different across their locations here in the Triangle, it’s important to be protected this year.
“Especially with the little kids,” Herrera-Golden said. “I have two children and I know compared to last year, every time (my daughter) would come home from school, like every other week, she was getting sick.”
Experts say last year saw the worst flu illnesses in years.
“We had high numbers of cases, high numbers of medical visits, high numbers of hospitalizations and higher numbers of deaths,” UNC Health’s Dr. David Weber said.
According to a major flu vaccine manufacturer, vaccine rates are expected to fall 12% this season, which concerns Dr. Weber.
He said although we’re not at the peak of respiratory illness season, it’s not too late to protect yourself.
“It’s better at preventing death and hospitalizations than just illness,” Weber said. “You may choose not to get the vaccine, but don’t infect those around you.”
For Hannah Hodge, she said she got the flu shot to protect herself and others.
“It’s important that we’re not spreading it to other people,” Hodge said. “Just looking out for the community.”
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