Flu Season Arrives Early

If you haven't gotten a flu shot, health officials say "Do it now!"  
Doctors are preparing for a long flu season. In fact they say the flu season is off to its earliest start in ten years.
Across the country, the number of people going to the hospital for the flu is rising.
Two children have died.
Doctors warn the primary strain of this year's flu seems to make people sicker, especially the elderly.
As an infectious disease specialist, Dr. Mark Shelley knows patients with the flu will file in at
Highland Hospital every season.
This November however, he saw more than usual. He said
"It just seems to be a bit earlier than were used to, bracing for the extra patients coming in the door."
 Monroe County data shows that since October 1, the county has had 78 confirmed cases of the flu.
 Seventeen of them have been hospitalized.
 One, an elderly person over the age of 65, died. 
 20 to 30,000 people die a year from the flu nationwide.
 The early onset of the flu is visible across New York.
 The good news, is that people are getting their shots.
 The Centers for Disease Control says one-third of Americans have been vaccinated.
 In New York, a new law that allows pharmacies to give out vaccines has made it more available.
 Dr. Shelley added "There's always one group thats anxious to be the first in line and then there's the rest of the people who are going to adopt the vaccine. But they need to feel like it's time. Well, its time."
  Jodi Cammalleri agrees.
We caught up with her at a clinic in Gates.
Since she got the swine flu a few years ago she's been getting her flu shot, like clockwork, every fall.
 She added "I believe it's really important to get flu shot its a safety precaution. I've had them in the past and have been very fortunate and have not been sick."
 Dr. Shelley says getting the vaccine will protect you and contain the spread of the virus, that is popping up early...but is nothing to worry about.
 "No panic but it's here. It's not something to leave for the end of December."
To find out more about where you can get your vaccine, click here.