Flu season shows up early in Winnebago County - WREX.com – Rockford’s News Leader

Flu season shows up early in Winnebago County

The Winnebago County Health Department report an influx in early season flu cases.

"This may be earliest flu season our community has experienced since the 2003-2004 season and the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, both of which were early and severe, especially in children," said Winnebago County Health Department Administrator Mike Bacon.

The health department says influenza cases have increased dramatically in the past month, based on cases reported at clinics and schools in the area.

Health officials say there's one thing everyone six months and older can do to help protect themselves from getting the flu. "If you haven't had your annual flu shot, it's not too late to be vaccinated. Once vaccinated, it takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection," said Winnebago County Health Department's Health Promotion and Protection Director Dee Dunnett.

To schedule an appointment for a flu shot at the Winnebago County Health Department, call 815-720-4264. For more information on the influenza, visit the Winnebago County Health Department website at www.wchd.org.