MOBILE, Ala. — Flu season is at its peak, and every region of Alabama is reporting elevated case counts — a reality driven home in Mobile County, where a sheriff’s deputy is hospitalized in intensive care with the virus.
Mobile County Deputy Tim Anderson is being treated in the ICU at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, where fluid is building in his lungs. His family says his odds of survival have been estimated at just 5%.
Statewide Numbers ‘Average,’ Officials Say
Across the country this season, the CDC estimates influenza has caused 8,200 deaths and 140,000 hospitalizations, with 15 million confirmed cases. Despite those sobering figures, officials with the Mobile County Health Department say the numbers are actually in line with a typical season.
“We hope to avoid severe illness in our community,” said Dr. Rendi Murphree, an epidemiologist with the Mobile County Health Department. “It sometimes does happen and it reminds us to be hyper-vigilant about those prevention measures.”
It’s Not Too Late for a Flu Shot
Doctors stress that the best defense against complications is avoiding the flu altogether — and even at the height of the season, vaccination still helps.
“If you do get vaccinated and still get a flu virus, usually you’ll see less severe illness,” Murphree said. Health officials recommend the vaccine for everyone but especially urge children, older adults, and people with compromised immune systems to get their shot.