Local Doctor Anticipates A Bad Flu Season This Winter

Upper Cumberland Medical Society President Dr. Brent Staton expects a bad flu season this winter.

Staton said the region has already experienced a high number of cases of flu type B earlier this year. Staton said as the weather gets colder, he expects flu type A to make an appearance.

Staton said the flu season usually follows a world trend. Staton said areas where sun exposure decreases usually sees a spike in flu cases. This is due to the lack of vitamin D helping your immune system.

Staton said many people do not realize that when you catch the flu, you shed the virus for several days before having symptoms. Staton said that is why the virus spreads easily while people stay in closed spaces during the winter.