MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) Doctors in the Grand Strand say residents can likely expect two distinct peaks of influenza activity during the 2011-2012 flu season.
Doctor John Charles, Medical Director at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, says doctors see the highest number of flu patients both locally and nationally in January and February.
"When it gets colder and people are spending more time indoors, that's when it's at its worst," Charles says.
Charles says at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, his staff often sees a peak in influenza activity near Thanksgiving as well.
"[The] reason is we have lots of college kids coming home and one or two college kids may be on campus where there's a little bit of the flu. They bring that home, and then it tends to spread around locally," Charles says.
The Centers for Disease Control suggests washing hands as often as possible, and has also recommended every American receive a flu shot.
"Other than taking the flu vaccine, there's really very little we can do personally that has nearly as much impact as frequent hand washing," Charles says.
Grand Strand Regional Medical Center Officials say they are offering a flu shot clinic on Tuesday, October 25th from 10 AM to Noon at the Coastal Grand Mall.
Flu shots can also be purchased daily at CVS and Walgreens Pharmacies.
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Doctors say washing hands helps fight infectious disease like influenza
Grand Strand Regional Medical Center
The CDC recommends every American receive a flu shot this year
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