ST. LOUIS – Health experts are sending out warnings as flu cases explode across the Midwest—hospitals and urgent cares are filling up, and doctors say the virus is spreading fast. Meanwhile, COVID-19 numbers continue to decline. Many are asking what is behind the surge and what can be done to stay safe. 

Doctors say they’re seeing a surge in flu cases at Total Access Urgent Care, making St. Louis one of the nation’s flu hotspots, with positive rates jumping to 36 percent.

Similar trends are being seen across the southeast, with Georgia and Tennessee reporting rates over 26% and North and South Carolina above 30%. According to the CDC, more than 30,000 people were hospitalized nationwide with influenza this week alone, and over 8,000 flu-related deaths have occurred so far this season.

“Last week, the people we were testing for flu–20% positivity (rate). This week, we’re up to 36 percent,” Total Access Urgent Care Physician Assistant Ajay Minton said.

Patient care technician Drew Davis recently battled both the flu and pneumonia at the same time.

“Real high fevers, heart for a couple of days, like 102, 101, and real bad fatigue. Cough and chest soreness between your shoulder blades and just kind of shortness of breath,” he said.

The symptoms of flu and COVID often overlap, making it difficult to tell the difference without testing. Doctors are urging everyone to wear masks, wash their hands frequently, and stay home when feeling sick.

“Some of the worse symptoms we’re seeing is severe dehydration with the flu. People are getting high fevers; their heart rates are higher because of that. They are not able to drink lots of fluids because their stomach is a little nauseous or they’ve been vomiting,” Minton added. 

Providers stress that early treatment is crucial.

“If patients are coming in within about 48 hours, we are prescribing patients Tamiflu, which is effective in decreasing that viral load and can help people feel better a little quicker,” Minton said. 

Davis says his experience convinced him of one thing.

“I think having had the flu shot makes it go away faster,” he said. 

With flu cases continuing to rise, health experts stress the importance of vaccination and early treatment. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, they recommend you do not hesitate and seek medical care immediately.