Charleston , Kanawha County , West Virginia

While illness containing flu-like symptoms is widespread, there have only been 1,393 reported confirmed cases this season in West Virginia, health officials said.

“While flu is reported to be widespread across the state, West Virginia’s data indicates 1,393 confirmed cases.," said Dr. Marian Swinker, state health officer and commissioner for public health. "The important health message right now for the public is that influenza is preventable. ”

The Bureau for Public Health said in a news release that its Division of Epidemiology and Prevention Services tracks influenza-like illness weekly through various health care providers located across the state. These clinics report the total number of ill persons that have sought treatment at their facility because they were experiencing symptoms that include fever and/or sore throat or cough, or what is called influenza-like illness. A person with influenza-like illness may have the flu, a common cold, or any of a number of different circulating viruses that could make someone ill. Influenza-like illness is not a confirmed case of flu.

Confirmed cases of flu are laboratory- tested and verified as influenza virus and they are tracked separately.

“State data indicate that 15,306 individuals reported to their provider with influenza-like illness in December and 4,389 in January, which is not remarkable considering the current widespread influenza activity the state is seeing," Swinke said. "Influenza-like illness is not only just caused by flu but also can be winter colds or other viruses that are circulating. Even though we have less than 1,500 cases reported of confirmed flu, prevention is key.

"The best tool that we have available to protect ourselves and our families from flu is to get a flu shot. It is never too late to get your flu shot. Being vaccinated coupled with covering our coughs and sneezes, discarding used tissues, washing our hands frequently and staying home from work or school when we are ill, will go a long way in helping reduce the spread of illness.”

Eyewitness News is providing information to keep people informed about the flu. Visit our website at wchstv.com and go to our news page section. In the upper right corner, go to the 2012-2013 Flu Season banner. There you can click on Flu Prevention, Flu Care and FluView. Flu prevention offers tips from the Centers from Disease Control about how you can prevent the flu. Flu care offers tips from the CDC about how you can treat yourself if you get the flu. The FluView section offers a map of the United States, with a state-by-state breakdown of the current influenza status in each state.

---

The national flu epidemic is getting worse by the day. Doctors and emergency rooms are trying to keep up with the massive amounts of cases.

Health experts said this is the worst flu season they have seen in 10 years. "It's an early year. We're seeing it a little bit earlier than typical," said Dr. Joe Matusic, a Charleston pediatrician. "I don't think it's peaking yet, but we're seeing pretty significant cases."

The virus has already been reported in 41 states, and 29 of those states are reporting severe levels. Doctors said it could stick around longer than you may like it to do. In West Virginia, there have been more than 300 positive influenza test results at hospitals and laboratories so far this season. Local health departments across the state were reporting more than 12,000 outpatient influenza illnesses at the peak so far this season.

"There's really no end in sight. Usually, this season will last until March or April, but we don't know where it's going to go from here," Matusic said.

If you're wondering what is the easiest way to prevent getting the flu, the advice is simple. Experts said getting the flu shot is the only way to avoid the virus.

Without question, the dangers of the flu cannot be ignored. Experts said the flu's affects are acute and sometimes deadly. Matusic said more people are dying from the flu than shootings and DUI accidents.

"Every year, 35,000 Americans die saying they're not going to get the flu shot because it makes them sick or they're just not going to get the flu shot anyway. That translates to 300 West Virginians," he said.

Statistics show that 18 children have died nationwide this year. Children, teens and the elderly are the most prone to picking up the virus.

There are three strains covered in this year's vaccine. Doctors said symptoms include a sudden onset of headaches, body aches and high fever. A couple of days into it you will start to notice a cough and a runny nose. You can possibly develop an ear infection, a sinus infection and if it gets worse, it can turn into pneumonia.

If you need a flu shot, the Kanawha Charleston Health Department has extended its hours to get the vaccine without an appointment.

Eyewitness News is providing information to keep people informed about the flu. Visit our website at wchstv.com and go to our news page section. In the upper right corner, go to the 2012-2013 Flu Season banner. There you can click on Flu Prevention, Flu Care and FluView. Flu prevention offers tips from the Centers from Disease Control about how you can prevent the flu. Flu care offers tips from the CDC about how you can treat yourself if you get the flu. The FluView section offers a map of the United States, with a state-by-state breakdown of the current influenza status in each state.

How To Contact WCHS-TV8 | Privacy Policy | FCC Public File | Terms and Conditions | DMCA Policy | Frequently Asked Questions

Home | Eyewitness News Newsroom | Storm Team Weather | Eyewitness Sports | Schedules

---

Send email to news@wchstv.com for information or comments concerning WCHS-TV Eyewitness News.

Copyright ©2013, WCHS-TV8. Portions are
Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or distributed.