FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) – Local flu cases are rising due to a new variant, and health experts say it’s not too late to get vaccinated.
Super Shot Medical Director Dr. Tony GiaQuinta says the flu variant spreading now has doubled in the past week, and he expects cases to keep rising. He said the increase comes after holiday family gatherings.
GiaQuinta says vaccination remains important, especially for children.
“That’s why we know of the 300 pediatric influenza deaths last year, 80% of them did not have the influenza vaccine,” GiaQuinta said. “And about half of those pediatric deaths were perfectly healthy children.”
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
The most common flu signs include fatigue and fever, according to GiaQuinta. He encourages people to get their flu shot and wash their hands, and if you feel sick, to stay home.
GiaQuinta says you might feel minor symptoms for 24 hours after the shot, but he stresses the flu shot cannot give you the flu.
For more information on flu shots, click here.
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