Health officials are concerned that Louisiana might have a severe flu season. There are more cases of flu here and in Alabama than elsewhere in the country. Louisiana Department of Health Doctor Frank Welch says there are more medical visits for the flu than there should be this early in the season.
Some officials warn this year’s flu vaccine may only be ten percent effective against the “A” strain of the virus. Welch is concerned that this influenza will cause several problems the current vaccine does not immunize against.
Welch says it’s a good time to get the vaccine before the Christmas holidays since it takes a while for the immunization to take effect.
Health officials also say you can also protect yourself by washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough and stay away from those who are sick.