Already, flu and pneumonia have been a factor in more than 500 deaths in Kansas reports KPR’s Bryan Thompson.
People older than 64 or younger than five are being hit the hardest. The CDC is advising people with chronic conditions, pregnant women, senior citizens, and small children to take antiviral drugs, such as Tamiflu, if they become infected. Dr. Mike Munger, at St. Luke’s South Primary Care, in Overland Park, says the drugs need to be taken within 48 hours of the first symptoms to minimize the severity of the flu.
“If you are developing fever, headache, a diffuse muscle ache, that should alert you it’s probably more than a cold. Best to err on the side of caution, and contact your physician,” says Munger
Munger says many clinics are offering same-day appointments for those with flu symptoms. If you haven’t had a flu shot yet, it’s still not too late.
