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Amanda Butterfield ReportingMother: "She was breathing really fast and she was congested."
Sure enough, it's the flu, and this four-month old baby is one more than 80 Utahns who have been hospitalized because of it. So just how bad is the flu in Utah? According to the Utah Department of Health, so far it's worse than last year, but that's to be expected.
Influenza has hit Utah a little earlier then usual, and hospitalization because of it has peaked; that information is from the Utah Department of Health, but don't panic.
Dr. David N. Sundwall Utah Depart. Of Health: "I do want to calm people's fears that this is not an epidemic. We have the same kind of increase in surrounding states, it is on the increase."
Utah was one of the first states to admit the flu is widespread, but that doesn't mean we have led the nation in influenza cases. So far 81 Utahns have been hospitalized because of it, most high risk patients like Tava. She's under the age of one. Others at higher risk include the elderly, or those with chronic health problems.
If you haven't gotten your flu vaccine yet, it's not too late, and Doctor Sundwall says it's one of the best things you can do to prevent getting sick. It will take about three weeks to kick in.
Remember it's not guaranteed to stop you from getting sick. If you do find yourself at a clinic or emergency room because you think you have the flu, don't bring in the whole family, the waiting room is likely to alresdy be full. And keep in mind it's most contagious in its early stages.
