BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana's health department says flu is widespread in the state, and it's still early in the season.
Secretary Rebekah Gee says in a news release Wednesday that Louisiana appears on the way to a severe flu season.
Local pharmacies in New Orleans reported they were out of Tamiflu and urgent care centers reported spikes in flu cases surrounding Christmas.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Louisiana is among 36 states with widespread flu activity.
State health officer Jimmy Guidry says it's still a good time to get a flu shot.
He says the vaccine is readily available, and the best way to avoid getting sick or reduce the chance of serious complications.
More information is available at www.ldh.la.gov/fighttheflu.
