JOPLIN, MO.--- The CDC reports seven southern states including Missouri have seen an uptick in flu cases since last week.
"Our rate here in the Joplin and the Four States area is a little bit higher than what we're seeing in other counties," states Karen Watts, Freeman Infection Control Officer.
Doctors urge you not to take the flu season lightly.
"It actually is life threatening in some cases, if you have diabetes, heart disease, you're pregnant," states Watts.
According to the CDC, this is the first year since 2003 where the virus started a month early, in November. The primary strain going around is influenza "A". It tends to make people sicker and can be especially dangerous for seniors and children.
"The best way to prevent catching the flu is to get your vaccination. The strain that they put in the flu vaccine this year is actually a really good match to the stain we're seeing in the community," states Watts.
Joplin Pharmacist David Starrett says a lot of people have come to his shop for the flu vaccine.
"Some more than others, they seem to come in bunches. Last Friday I gave 6 in one hour," states David Starrett, Pharmacist.
The number of people getting the shot at his shop doubled from last year.
"Over 100 but I have a friend that has a pharmacy in Neosho and he's given more than 2,000," states Starrett.
Doctors say the vaccine is the only way to protect yourself.
"There's actually no way for you to get the flu with the flu vaccine, it's a killed virus," states Watts.
Once you get the vaccine, it takes about three weeks until you're protected.
Once you get the vaccine, it takes about three weeks until you're protected.
