MONUMENT - Influenza

Dr. Melissa Devalon with Colorado Springs Health Partners says Influenza is hitting hard right now.

One reason so many people are getting the flu is because the strain has already changed.

According to the Health Department, the flu shot is only covering about 40% of flu cases.

Symptoms include a high fever (101 or greater), severe body aches and cough.

Once you get the flu, expect it to last a week.

Anti-viral medication can be prescribed to shorten the symptoms by one day, but only if it's started within 48 hours of onset of symptoms.

So, get to the doctor quickly.

Then stay home, as the flu is very contagious.