It's March and officials at the Yakima Health District say it's not too late to get a flu shot. Melissa Sixberry, director of disease control at the Yakima Health District, says they've seen a big increase in reported flu cases during the past month.

Sixberry says flu cases usually peak in this area in mid-January. And during that time, the county recorded 85 cases. But, Sixberry says, "From March 3 through March 9 we had 148 cases -- so almost double what we would consider our peak in mid-January."
Sixberry says they're urging people to make sure their immunizations are up to date. She says getting vaccinated helps protect children, those who are 65 or older and other at-risk populations from getting sick.

Flu shots are available at grocery and drug stores all around the valley and the state.

More From KMGWFM