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From ABC11, WTVD-TV, Raleigh-Durham, NC - 8/18/25:
"RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A slight uptick in upper respiratory illnesses has medical experts in the Triangle urging caution and encouraging early vaccinations.
"They also warn against waiting until the fall to get a flu shot or COVID-19 vaccination.
"Jonathan Harward is a pharmacist-in-charge at Josef's Pharmacy in Raleigh.
"He says they're already seeing some people getting sick with the flu, much earlier than when the traditional flu season starts in October.
"School just started back. So inevitably we're going to start to see, you know, kids are together, start to see an uptick," he said. "Definitely the uptick in the upper respiratory infections and colds, things like that."
"He says the earlier you get a flu shot, the better.
"A common misconception is that it can be too early to get the flu shot," he said. "As soon as you can get it and it becomes available, go ahead and get it because the last thing you want to do is wait too late, especially in our elderly population."
"Flu cases aren't the only concern right now.
"Doctors with UNC Health tell Eyewitness News COVID-19 cases have gone up over the last two weeks in North Carolina.
"UNC Chapel Hill Professor of Medicine Dr. David Wohl says wastewater testing has found an uptick in COVID-19 cases, part of a nationwide trend.
"And that happens every summer. Every summer we've seen an uptick," he said.
"Hospitalizations and deaths remain low.
"Also, case numbers are nowhere near the levels seen last summer or in years past.
"Still, doctors say now is the time to practice safe habits, especially if you're traveling.
"Right now I would probably mask and really wash my hands, especially in airports, on buses," said Wohl. "Really concentrated, long-term, you're in the same breathing space. That's where I'm focusing most of my attention."
"Check with a local pharmacy to find out when flu shots are available".
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