Flu Cases Multiply in Winnebago County

In the last week of 2012, Winnebago County Health Department surveyed 530 influenza cases compared to 156 the same time last year.
The department also saw 3 people die from pneumonia connected to the flu, however health officials said those cases are not uncommon.
Emergency rooms across the country are flooded with flu cases, some in Chicago have even had to turn patients away to other health centers.
When asked about this year's flu season public information officer Sue Fuller said, "The flu is unpredictable and you never know when it's going to arrive."
She added it's not too late to get you flu shot. 
Contagiousness starts 2 days before symptoms start to show and continue for days after.
"When you get the flu shot it takes your body two weeks to build up antibodies to have full immunity.  By getting it now you may come into contact with somebody who has the flu, and if you get the flu it won't be as severe and your stay at home will be less," said Fuller.
In addition to the flu shot the best defense against influenza is washing your hands thoroughly.