The 2019 flu season has been off to a slow start but over the last couple weeks doctors are reporting a spike in cases locally and across the country.
One of the reasons for the slow season is that the vaccine this year seems to be doing a good job matching the strain, which has limited those people from getting sick.
Since the vaccine is doing so well Tina Stefanski, the Regional Medical Director for Louisiana Department of Health, wants to remind people it is not too late to get the shot.
But now that we are seeing a rise in flu cases she recommends people stay home if they get sick and to visit their doctor.
Stefanski says “the sooner you get on a prescription antiviral medication the better you can shorten the course and severity of the flu.”
Medical professionals are hoping that the numbers come down in time for Mardi Gras when everyone will be out in close contact with one another.
