Doctors urge people sick with the flu to stay home - WFXG FOX54 Augusta - Your News One Hour Earlier

Doctors urge people sick with the flu to stay home

Posted: Updated:
By Mark Barber - bio | email
NORTH AUGUSTA, SC (WFXG) -

The sunshine lured a crocodile out of the water at the North Augusta Brick Pond Park Saturday and Casey Szocinski was behind his camera lens capturing the movement.

At 65 he fits into the age group that is most susceptible to the flu.

"I went to the doctor for a check-up the other day and he said I needed to get one," Szocinski, said.

But Szocinski still hasn't received the vaccine that protects against the flu strain H3N2. Instead, he's hoping people coughing and sneezing will stay inside.

"I hope they stay home," said Szocinski.

Medical Director of the Family Medical Clinic Janis Coffin says this is the worst flu season in the CSRA in 10 years.

Because the unseasonably warm weather could draw healthy and sick people outside; she is encouraging folks with the bug to stay home and those who still have their health to use caution.

Szocinski says even though there's a risk of running into someone with the flu, he's not changing his schedule.

"I'm not going to change the way I live because of the flu. I'm going to be around people and the library, bookstores and anywhere else I want to be. I'm not going to stay home just because of the flu," Szocinski, said.

But some folks with the flu won't stay home. Even though the disease can cause severe sickness and even death; others will only experience mild coughing or sneezing. The bug can be passed along before anyone shows any symptoms.

That's why Coffin is urging people with the flu to avoid public places.

"If you are sick, stay at home. If you are not sick get vaccinated," said Coffin.

Carroll Camp has received the vaccine, so he isn't too worried about rubbing shoulders with people in public.  

"We know that we could get something but we feel relatively safe," said Camp.

The flu vaccine is 62% effective, according to the CDC.

Health officials say the vaccine doesn't guarantee you won't get the flu; instead it helps ensure you won't get sick enough to go to the doctor.