Flu cases surge across the area as health officials urge vaccinations

All right, now to the spike in flu cases across the nation and right here in our region. Health experts are reporting the highest levels of the virus in 25 years and they say flu activity could continue to rise for weeks. Action News reporter John Paul live in Htown tonight. And John, it seems like everyone knows someone who is sick currently. Huh? >> Yeah. Isn't that the truth? Everywhere you go, you hear the coughing, you hear the sniffling. And here's the thing, Rick. Flu season typically lasts till maybe April, even May. So, right now, health officials are urging everyone to get the flu shot. >> Something caught me right now. So, so I guess I should be a little concerned. >> Mike Develin doesn't have his flu vaccine and he's starting to feel sick. We met him today while he was out getting some medicine for his symptoms. >> I woke up like a little bit of sinus uh pressure and stuff, so I just wanted to get rid of it while I can. He's concerned that it could be early signs of the flu, which is running rampant right now. The CDC says flu cases in Pennsylvania and Delaware are in the high category, while New Jersey is seeing very high numbers as the flu season explodes across the country. >> We are probably around that peak period now. >> Gail Mendoza is with the Philadelphia Health Department. She says while we're already well into the season, it's still a good idea to get the flu shot because the season lasts through the spring. >> It does take a couple weeks for that flu vaccine to really ramp up and build up antibodies in a person's system. And so in order for that to happen, that's why you should get it right now. Get it as soon as you can. >> Many people we talked to today got their shots back in October to make sure they were ready. >> Yeah. I got my flu and my co. >> Okay. >> Cuz I'm a senior citizen. So, you went ahead and got the flu shot? >> Yeah, every year. >> As for Develin, he has a doctor's appointment coming up and plans to get the flu shot then. A move health officials say is smart. >> But some protection is better than no protection. >> Yeah. And a lot of places offer the flu shot, those walk-in clinics, and you can even get one for free. Rick, in Philadelphia, they have five walk-in health clinics. They are free to get that vaccine. We're live tonight in Havertown. John Paul, Channel 6 Action News. Rick. All right, John.