(MOBILE, Ala.) Reports of the flu have hit all 50 states, and Alabama is one of many Southeastern states dealing with severe flu outbreaks.
The Flu season has come unseasonably early, and the Centers of Disease Control has given local health departments a push to get people of all ages vaccinated.
"I kind of had a scare a couple weeks ago and got sick and got really worried that I had gotten the flu," said Jeanne Anderson.
Mobile County Health Officials stated more cases of the H2N2 virus have been reported this season compared with this time in 2012.
Bureau Director of Disease Control Monica Kinght said, "We don't know exactly why it's earlier than usual. Some folks seem to be getting hit hard even though they have had the flu vaccine.
Despite a few complications, Knight stated the trivalent vaccine is safe.
She, along with other health officials have urged every age group to protect themselves from the potentially deadly flu.
"We highly focus on young small children and young adults who are obviously active and out in the community," said Knight.
The CDC reports the H3N2 flu has claimed the lives of 8 children nationwide this flu season alone. Mobile County Health officials said they hope the tragedy creates a sense of urgency for Mobilians contemplating getting the shot, even though it comes with some risks.
Knight said, "The folks I have talked to who have actually had the flu and who have had the full vaccine, they've been really sick."
The Health Department will provide five dollar flu shots on Sunday at Yorktown Baptist church from noon to 3 p.m.
