It's something EMSA paramedic Chris Stevens knows well.
He believes he had the Swine Flu.
"It's something that took me three weeks to get over," said Stevens.
He says that's why paramedics take extra precautions, like using masks and gloves.
EMSA has seen an 11% increase in transports. Many of the patients have suffered flu-like symptoms. Stevens says he knows the flu season could get worse.
"We are hoping for the best and preparing for the worst," he said.
Right now there's not enough of the vaccine to go around for everyone, so it's being given to groups who are more likely to have complications such as pregnant women and children.
Mary Beth Murray, the administrative director for the Washington, Osage, Rogers and Nowata County Health Departments, says the vaccine should be available to everyone within the next month or two but knows some people are frustrated by the wait.
"Anytime there is a shortage in something, it makes people frightened that they're not going to find it anywhere," said Murray.
While you wait, Stevens say the best thing you can do is work to stay healthy just like he plans to do.
"Trying to keep these germs at bay is the smartest thing you can do, and we as paramedics and EMTs know that better than anybody because we are the first line of defense in getting the sick and injured folks to the hospital."
Murray says for her area, the priority group includes:
Pregnant women
Health care workers and emergency medical responders
People caring for infants less than six months of age
Children and young adults from six months to 24-years-old
For more information on the virus you can call the Rogers County Health Department at 918-341-3166.
