Gulf Coast Clinics Report Flu Cases Two Months Early

Flu activity across the Gulf Coast is arriving roughly two months ahead of the typical seasonal window, according to local healthcare providers.

Nicole Johnson, a nurse practitioner at Alpha Care Urgent Care in Gulfport, reported treating 15 flu patients within the past week. Those patients ranged in age from 3 to 80 years old. Johnson noted that she usually begins seeing flu cases near the holiday season, making the current surge an early start.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that it has already recorded at least one million flu-related illnesses nationwide this season. The agency indicated that activity is starting earlier than usual.

At Alpha Care, staff use a swab test to distinguish between flu A and flu B. Johnson described the process: providers mix the swab in a solution, add three drops of reagent, and read the result at a designated line.

Dr. Wendy Williams, chief medical officer at Coastal Family Health, confirmed that her clinic is also seeing a high volume of sick patients. She reported that this year's cases present with fever and body aches. Williams added that some patients initially exhibit sore throats and gastrointestinal symptoms before developing upper respiratory issues a day or two later.

Johnson said that immunocompromised patients, as well as those who are very young or very old, are experiencing complications. These complications range from bronchitis to pneumonia.

Both providers emphasized vaccination as the primary defense. Johnson explained that it takes approximately two weeks for the body to build immunity after receiving a shot. She advised patients to get vaccinated as soon as possible to ensure protection before activity increases further.