Watch CBS News

Bay Area Hospitals Confirm Uptick in Flu Symptoms, Warn of Another Virus

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— Local Bay Area hospitals, especially Kaiser Permanente, are reporting an uptick in people complaining of flu-like symptoms. Medical experts have said flu season has hit early nationwide, but they warn other bugs are floating around too.

At a San Francisco Walgreen's there was a long line wait to get a flu shot. One man in line said to be careful how close you get to one another because you might get infected.

This year's virus strain—influenza A (H3N2) is especially nasty according to the CDC. Kaiser Permanente reports a 14 percent hike in emergency room visits and call center activity.

"You feel like you want to die," said Dr. Yvonne Maldonado, the chief of pediatric infectious disease at Stanford Packard Children's Hospital.

She said that not everybody who thinks they have the flu actually has it. Another nasty bug that's going around that she warned about is the respiratory synctial virus or RSV virus.

Bay Area Hospitals Confirm Uptick in Flu Symptoms, Warn of Another Virus

"RSV tends to cause less fevers, but it also makes people feel miserable. If your whole body aches and you have a fever, you most likely have the flu," Maldonado said.

She reminded that it's still not too late to get the vaccine if you haven't done so yet.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.