CDC warns flu cases could rise this year

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention are warning people that the influenza virus cases could rise this season.

In fact, they add that spikes in the virus showing up in people is about a month ahead of where it usually is at this time each year. In a map from the CDC, it shows that New Mexico is one of a dozen or so states across the country with sporadic outbreaks as late as last week.

They are also showing "elevated" levels of flu-like illnesses in five of 10 regions throughout the U.S. According to the CDC, the vaccines available will cover the three major strains that are most common.

"Flu can be very detrimental," says Walgreen's Pharmacist Rayanna Fejeran. "It keeps people out of work for a couple of weeks, it can keep you home ridden for a couple of weeks, it's just not friendly and if there's a vaccine to prevent that, why not get that vaccine."

The CDC adds that some of the people who are most vulnerable to getting the flu and who should get the vaccination are children younger than five years of age, seniors older than 65, pregnant women and most Native Americans.

Officials say it's a good idea to get your flu shot as soon as possible because it usually takes a couple of weeks to take full effect. December 2 - 8 is also National Influenza Vaccination Week.