YAKIMA, wash.--A virus making national headlines has many people worried. But are people particularly concerned in Yakima County? And should they be?
"I am," said Lindsay Medrano. "I always am. I'm always worried, and my kids are hand sanitized all the time."
"We're taking extra precautions," said Rylan Cartwright. "Washing our hands, eating healthy, always caring around hand sanitizer."
The Yakima Health District said the flu is here and spreading in the county. During the week of Christmas, 22 out of 184 people tested positive for the virus.
One week later, 20 percent of the 298 people tested had the flu. The Yakima Health District said this is not an unusual amount of cases for flu season. However, it's come a lot earlier than they're used to seeing.
Even though local flu rates are not out of the ordinary, some people said they'll continue to be extra cautious, especially in public places.
"It's a little bit concerning because last year at state {cheerleading competition} there was a big flu epidemic and that spread so quick, so sometimes being around places like this is kind of like you have to stay a little bit more careful," said Marina Kassianova. "Make sure you're not touching something and then touching your mouth."
Others said they're really not worried at all.
"I think it's just getting a little bit more hype, personally," said Rashele Carlile. "But everyone has their own opinion and view on it I guess. As for our family, we're not really worried about it."
The Yakima Health District said they expect the number of cases to either stay the same or slightly go up this coming week. They remind people to get vaccinated, wash your hands and stay home if you're feeling sick. The Yakima Fire Department is also doing their part and preparing for any potential spike in EMS responses.
