CHARLOTTE, N.C. --

---

“A lot of people think you can get the flu from the shot; that’s not true.” –Dr. Stephen Keener

---

Seventy-six health care providers across North Carolina send the Health Department a report every week. In this report they include the number of patients who have influenza-like symptoms.

These symptoms include:

Fever 100 degrees or higher

Cough

Sore Throat

Last week 4.87 percent of patients reported these symptoms, a four-year high. This week the number has already crept up to 5.17 percent.

The rising trend isn't limited to North Carolina. According to the Associated Press, this week, 44 states reported widespread flu activity compared to 31 last week.

When health departments use a word like “widespread” to describe a disease, people tend to pay attention. The average percentage of patients with the flu this time of year usually hovers around 3 percent, that could end up doubled by the end of flu season which occasionally drags into May.

Mecklenburg County is not a sample area for the state health department. However, the county’s medical director, Dr. Stephen Keener, said he believes the state numbers are in line with what's happening in Charlotte.

“We are concerned enough [about the rising numbers] to get information out to the public about how to protect themselves,” said Keener.

---

FIND INFORMATION YOU NEED IN OUR HEALTH & WELLNESS SCETION, UPDATED DAILY!

---

---

What Keener hopes everyone will do is get a flu shot. Even though shot clinics are traditionally held in November and December, he said health departments and doctor’s offices have vaccine on hand right now.

“It’s the best single thing people can do, other than hand washing, to protect themselves,” said Keener. He went on to add, “A lot of people think you can get the flu from the shot; that’s not true – you can’t. It protects you from the disease.”

Why are so many people getting the flu?

The U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention report that this year's vaccine is only effective against about 40 percent of spreading flu viruses.

Keener said it’s impossible to predict from year to year how potent different influenza strains will be. The time period between January and April is traditionally when cases peak, although not usually as high as they are now.

Keener did warn that going to work sick, or sending children to school sick, is not a good idea.

Influenza is most often spread from person to person. Along with frequent hand washing, Keener also advised keeping your hands away from contact with your eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible.

For a look at the extended interview with Keener, along with many other resources that will help you avoid the flu, check the sidebar of this article.