A cause for concern across the country, with the vaccine in short supply, flu fears are on the rise. Massachusetts health leaders say they're getting close to having to ration the vaccine. If you're having trouble getting the shot what can you do to protect your family? 7Healthcast reporter Janet Wu has the details.
In Florida, hundreds line up hoping to get a flu shot. In Boston, Mass General is down to just 20 doses after giving out more than 7,000.
Dr. Richard Pingree, Mass General Hospital
"If we do get more we're going to start limiting them to 65 and older."
Michelle feels lucky she got vaccinated.
Michelle
"I heard that people had died, which kind of shocked me."
The death toll continues to rise nationwide, especially in children. The latest victims are a Colorado boy whose father was deployed in Iraq and a Texas toddler.
Sindra Salinas, Flu Victim's Mother
"I can't believe it. It was so quick. He was healthy here jumping around and being himself less than 24 hours being gone."
What can you do if you haven't been vaccinated? There's plenty of Flumist, but it's only approved for people between the ages of five and 49. Good hygiene is your best defense.
Dr. Richard Pingree
"All germs, they don't jump from you to someone else. Either someone coughs into their hand and then you shake their hands and then everyone's hands ends up at their mouths sooner or later."
That's why you're told to wash your hands again and again. Our hands are the main way we pick up germs and transfer them into our bodies."
Cleanliness is being taken seriously at this Idaho school, which was shut down after a third of the students got the flu.
One major myth, weather has nothing to do with the flu. But the cold does keep us inside, which makes it easier for germs to spread.
Massachusetts was among the last states to report the flu, but is now seeing a lot of activity north of Boston and the Holyoke/Springfield area. And keep in mind, the flu does not peak here until January and February.
