ALTOONA, BLAIR COUNTY - More than 40 states are facing a flu outbreak and Pennsylvania is one of them.
"It does seem to be hitting a little quicker this year and we've been seeing a lot more flu prescriptions for both adults and children," Kopp Pharmacy Manager Nicole Dixon says.
Even though it's still early in the season, flu cases are on the rise and people are doing more to make sure their prepared.
"I'd say there's been a slight increase in more flu shots this year than we've had in the last two years. I don't know if it's just more awareness or that there's more information out there telling people that the flu is around," Dixon says.
"I got one last year and the year before that," Altoona resident Mike Hunter says.
Hunter hasn't gotten his flu shot yet, but he's seen some of the damage this early flu season has caused.
"Actually one of our friends is in the hospital right now. She's 54 years old with pneumonia. So it's tough out there," Hunter says.
The Center for Disease Control estimates that the flu season is about one month ahead of schedule.
With flu shots readily available, experts say it's easy to be prepared.
"Truthfully there's no reason not to get a flu shot. It's out there. All you have to do is go to the pharmacy, the doctor's office and get it," Dixon says.
And Hunter plans on taking that advice soon.
"I never got sick last year so I better get one now," Hunter says.
Flu shots are available at most Pharmacy's and doctors offices. Also, if you are heading to the Farm Show in Harrisburg free flu vaccines are being offered.
"It does seem to be hitting a little quicker this year and we've been seeing a lot more flu prescriptions for both adults and children," Kopp Pharmacy Manager Nicole Dixon says.
Even though it's still early in the season, flu cases are on the rise and people are doing more to make sure their prepared.
"I'd say there's been a slight increase in more flu shots this year than we've had in the last two years. I don't know if it's just more awareness or that there's more information out there telling people that the flu is around," Dixon says.
"I got one last year and the year before that," Altoona resident Mike Hunter says.
Hunter hasn't gotten his flu shot yet, but he's seen some of the damage this early flu season has caused.
"Actually one of our friends is in the hospital right now. She's 54 years old with pneumonia. So it's tough out there," Hunter says.
The Center for Disease Control estimates that the flu season is about one month ahead of schedule.
With flu shots readily available, experts say it's easy to be prepared.
"Truthfully there's no reason not to get a flu shot. It's out there. All you have to do is go to the pharmacy, the doctor's office and get it," Dixon says.
And Hunter plans on taking that advice soon.
"I never got sick last year so I better get one now," Hunter says.
Flu shots are available at most Pharmacy's and doctors offices. Also, if you are heading to the Farm Show in Harrisburg free flu vaccines are being offered.
