Flu season is hitting the nation hard this week, and South Dakota is no exception.
State health officials said the flu virus is now widespread in our state. We've seen more than 400 confirmed cases and nine deaths in South Dakota, all over the age of 75.
Massachusetts has declared a public health emergency as they've seen more than 700 cases of the flu virus—10 times more cases than this time last year.
The South Dakota Department of Health is encouraging everyone to get a flu shot, but finding one might be harder than you think.
The busiest time for flu shots is generally October and November when people are preparing for flu season.
Now that most the nation is experiencing a high level of cases and we're seeing some flu-related fatalities, people are rushing to local pharmacies in search of a flu shot.
However, most pharmacies in Sioux Falls are out of flu shots, many ran out in mid November.
All Hy-Vee and Walgreens pharmacies are out of regular flu shots. Many Lewis pharmacies just received new shipments of vaccines today, but we're not sure how many they were able to get.
The best way to get a flu shot right now is to schedule and appointment with your doctor.
Avera and Sanford say most of their clinics still have a supply of flu shots available.
Even if it's hard to find, pharmacists say a flu shot is really the only way to prevent the flu. Over the counter medications simply treat flu symptoms; pharmacist say products like Airborne are not proven methods to prevent the flu.
"It's best if you can still find the flu vaccine go get it, otherwise there are some over the counter products that your pharmacist can help you find," said Hy-Vee pharmacist Matt Kaschmitter.
The Department of Health says its not too late to get a flu shot. They're also encouraging everyone to focus on other methods of prevention including washing your hands, using hand sanitizer, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze and staying home when you are sick.
