Pasadena Doctors Say Aggressive Flu Has Yet to Hit Peak

Doctors at Healthcare Partners Urgent Care Center in Pasadena have warned that the currently circulating flu is a strain that’s aggressive and very contagious, and may continue to peak for weeks to come.

Everyday, people have been waiting in line at the city’s medical clinics hoping to end their symptoms as early as possible, in what Dr. Claudia Pfeil at the Pasadena Clinic said is the worst flu season she has ever seen.

Across the state, 27 have reportedly died due to the infection.

Speaking to KABC, Pfeil said many of the sick have in one way or another avoided being vaccinated, and it’s not yet too late. “We’ve noticed that those patients with the more severe symptoms tend not to have been vaccinated,” Pfeil said, “The flu could last through the end of February or even March, so I would emphasize that it’s not too late to get the flu vaccine.”

Urgent care physicians said this year’s dominant flu strain takes 10 to 14 days to recover from completely. Anti-virus shots can certainly aid in speedy recovery if taken within the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, they say.

KABC said supplies are running low, so doctors are strongly recommending getting a flu shot at the earliest possible opportunity.

To avoid infection, doctors say people should avoid large crowds, and if they do get sick, they should stay home and manage the flu with fever reducers, cough expectorants, and decongestants.

Plenty of fluids and rest could also help, as well as minimizing stress, Pfeil told KABC.