MCALLEN - It seems many here in the valley are starting their new year with ways to avoid being hit by the flu, as this season's flu epidemic is spreading in large numbers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control atleast 200,000 people are hospitalized every year with the flu, the most vulnerable ones are the elderly and the very young. In some cases the flu can even be deadly.
Doctors say there's two ways the flu can spread; one through direct contact and two through respiratory droplets and once exposed symptoms can start in one to four days..
While over the counter medications may you help you suppress the symptoms, they won't necessarily cure the condition, so In many cases individuals may need to have special medications prescribed.
Meanwhile, health experts encourage those that can to get their flu shots. Although it is rare there are individuals who are allergic to influenza shots, so they should abstain from getting one.