Pigs may not be flying, but this year's flu outbreak has the Auburn Community wrapped in blankets.
The flu is breaking out in every state, and although this strain of flu isn't to the proportions of swine flu, this season is seeing more cases than last year.
"It's more intense than last year for sure," said John Atkinson, public relations manager at East Alabama Medical Clinic. "Last year was kind of a down year, but we have had seasons like this before and we have taken similar precautions in years past as well."
As of last Friday, East Alabama Medical Clinic had records of 177 cases of confirmed flu, Atkinson said. Of those 177 cases, 112 of them occurred in December and 44 were in January.
"It started a little bit earlier this year," Atkinson said. "We saw cases as early as October, but it definitely began hitting the hardest in December. Then our cases in January seem to be on that same type target."
There are two different strands of flu going around: an A strain and a B strain. According to Janet King, clinical supervisor at the Auburn University Medical Clinic, strain A is the one the clinic is seeing the most.
"The problem is that the flu shot itself is only between 60 and 65 percent efficacy," King said. "It didn't catch all of the strains. I think I heard that one of the strains was not covered in the shot, so if you are exposed to that germ you are going to get the flu."
The first week back from break the AU clinic gave 117 a flu swabs for people showing symptoms and 31 of them were positive. Last week, the clinic swabbed 116 and found 35 positive tests by Friday.
The Auburn University Medical Clinic ordered 650 flu shots and ran out while demand was still high. King said, they have been telling people to go to CVS or Walgreen's pharmacies to get flu shots, because it is still the best preventative measure.
"Based on what's happened with flu epidemic this year, how early it started, how quickly its spread ... I think the preventative measure is worth it," said Harriet Huggins coordinator at the Learning Resources Center with the College of Education. "I have gotten a flu shot every year since 2001."
There are other preventative precautions people can take to keep from getting the flu. Things like washing your hands frequently, using hand sanitizers, staying away from crowded areas and staying away from people who are sick.
"Symptoms are not fun," King said. "It's fever, headaches, sometimes a cough and sometimes a sore throat with lots of body aches. If you get that you have to try to get seen within 48 hours, because then at that point they can give you an anti-viral medication. That's not going to make it go away, but it will lessen the symptoms."
If you aren't seen within 48 hours, King said, there isn't much the clinic can do for you. Your best bet is to take cold and flu medicines and Tylenol or Motrin to reduce the fever.
"Other than that there really isn't anything you can do for it," King said. "You just have to let it run its course. Sometimes it can be a week to a week and a half before you are feeling better."
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