MIDDLETOWN, CT (WFSB) -
The flu season started earlier than normal, but it's not actually set to peak until next month and it could last as late as May.
For many people who get the flu, it usually means a few days in bed. But, for others it could be much worse.
Officials from the Center for Disease Control said more than 200,000 people are hospitalized in the United States from the flu every year.
Those numbers alone are why the CDC urged anyone over the age of six months old to get a flu shot.
To date, there are a total of 2,456 reports of the flu with six deaths throughout the state and with the most common type being Type A. Here is the breakdown by county:
- New Haven County: 629 flu cases
- Fairfield County: 691 flu cases
- Hartford County: 456 flu cases
- Windham County: 179 flu cases
- Middlesex County: 208 flu cases
- New London County: 132 flu cases
- Litchfield County: 96 flu cases
- Tolland County: 65 flu cases
The city of Middletown is experiencing the worse flu season in the last decade because the virus started five weeks earlier than usual.
On Monday, several residents told Eyewitness News that they still haven't gotten their flu shots this year and some of them are regretting the season.
"I have the flu right now so stand back a little bit," Stella Coughlin said.
Some residents did not understand why people do not get flu shots.
"I don't know if people aren't educated enough or they are afraid, but we should all be getting the flu shot," said Emily Wickman.
Coughlin told Eyewitness News that she has learned from her experience.
"I definitely will, she said about getting a flu shot. "I had one last year, but things have been so busy it slip past me."
Flu shots are still available in many areas of Connecticut.
Middletown and Cromwell have partnered to purchase flu shots for people who live in these two communities.
Shots will be available on first-come, first-serve basis for any resident above the age of 4 at the Middletown Health Department at 245 deKoven Dr.
People can make appointments by calling 860-344-3474 between the hours of 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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