Birmingham, Ala. (WDNews) – Medical professionals are warning that flu season has already begun in Alabama, with doctors starting to see patients with the virus. Dr. Joseph Coppiano, a primary care doctor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, noted the importance of simple prevention measures like avoiding touching your face. He shared that some patients are already experiencing symptoms, with sore throats and runny noses often appearing four to five days after exposure.
“This year, I’m noticing more patients with a lingering cough that just won’t go away,” Dr. Coppiano said.
Dr. Wes Stubblefield, with the Alabama Department of Public Health, stressed the importance of getting the flu shot now, before the virus peaks in January. He explained that waiting too long increases the risk of contracting the flu before the vaccine has time to work.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts a “relatively normal” flu season based on trends in South America, suggesting this year could resemble last year’s flu activity in Alabama. Currently, the state remains at low activity levels, but doctors remind residents that stress, poor sleep, and diet can make anyone more susceptible to the flu.
It’s a good time to protect yourself and your family by getting vaccinated early this season.
