AMARILLO, TEXAS -- If you find yourself suffering from the sniffles and body aches, you're not alone. Amarillo is officially seeing it's first cases of the flu
'Tis the season of sneezing, coughing and body aches. The flu is the unwelcomed gift that keeps on giving, and it's making it's presence known in Amarillo.
"We're just now starting to see our first positives of the season which is typically for this time of year. After the first of the year we expect it to increase which is typical," said Casie Stoughton, City of Amarillo Public Health Disease Prevention and Control Program Manager.
While they expect a typical flu season, they warn you should still get vaccinated as soon as possible.
"The flu shot this year is a great a match on all three versions and the flu vaccine is a great match this year," said Stoughton.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends those six months and older get the vaccine, especially those with a weak immune system. You can talk to your doctor, or pharmacy about getting it.
"Usually in October I get a flu shot and I make sure that everybody in our household gets one as well. I can't think of anything much worse then being sick especially this time of year," said David Saultz, gets the vaccine.
"I don't take the flu shot because I am always afraid that I am going to get a little bit of the flu and I don't want to feel bad at all. I try to take lots of Vitamin C and if I'm going to be in a stressful situation I take that Emergen-C beforehand and try to drink lots of orange juice," said Susan Page, doesn't get the vaccine.
The City's Health Department is also suggesting using a little common sense when it comes to preventing getting the flu or spreading the virus to others.
"Prevention is always best. Hand washing, covering your cough or sneeze with your elbow, throw away tissues, go to the doctor. If you're sick don't go to work, stay home from work or school," said Stoughton.
For more information about the flu, click here.
