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The flu season has begun in Wichita. Both Wesley and Via Christi hospitals confirm they have admitted patients suffering from the flu. We found Debbie Hutto shopping for cough medicine at Barney's Deep Discount Drugs.
"I'm already feeling symptoms, and my family has been having flu symptoms--we've been passing them back and forth," Hutto says. "I think it's a serious issue."
Pharmacist George Saghbene says there may be more cases out there than health officials realize."
"Most people self-treat," Saghbene says. "They don't go to the doctor unless they feel horrible."
He says once the flu hits, you're stuck with it for seven to ten days--and it won't be much fun.
"With the flu your body aches, you feel like you've been hit by a truck," Saghbene says.
Barney's is all stocked up on products that can reduce your symptoms and make you feel a little better. But the bottom line is, if you get the flu you are going to suffer.
"All those over-the-counter medications--they are really going to ease up the symptoms," Saghbene says. "But it's not going to take care of one hundred percent of everything you got."
He recommends medicine that treats individual symptoms rather than the all-in-one products. First and foremost though, he says lots of liquids and lots of rest will help you recover as fast as possible.
He says those who are very old, very young or have a chronic medical condition should see a doctor if they get sick. If you're taking prescription medication consult your doctor or pharmacist before using any over-the-counter medicine.
It's not too late to get a flu shot. Click here to find a place to get one near you.