Local flu activity on the rise

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The Pennsylvania Medical Society held a teleconference Monday.

They want to get the word out they are expecting a bad flu season and it's starting.

Emergency room doctor Mark Zonfrillo of the Children's Hospital was on the call.

He says the number of ER visits is up at CHOP about 20-percent for this time of year and many visits are due to the flu.

They've had some kids go to intensive care, mostly those with underlying respiratory problems such as asthma.

Care Stat Urgent Care is also seeing a spike in flu cases.

Even though the vaccine is not a good match for the pre-dominant strain, it is still recommended because it will protect against other strains.

Unfortunately, that pre-dominant strain is known to cause severe illness.

So doctors are also warning if you have severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, you should be seen in the emergency room, especially if you fall into the at-risk groups- very old, very young and people with compromised immune system.

However, make sure you let the staff know you are ill so they can separate you from other people or give you a mask to wear.