FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - The number of people who die from the flu continues to spike week after week.
The latest data from the Indiana State Department of Health shows more than 100 people died from the flu so far this season.
Even more are getting the virus and heading to the pharmacy for medication.
Pharmacies across northeast Indiana told WFFT Thursday they are doing their best to keep up with demand and are getting new shipments daily.
"I'm actually not shocked it's hard to get I'm sure," said Chrissy Heintz.
Health officials said this year's flu outbreak hit earlier than this time last year, killing seven people in Allen County already this season.
Tamiflu is becoming a hot commodity at area pharmacies.
"She's like 'I'm not sure we have any, well give me a few minutes I'll try to figure something out,'" Heintz said.
That's what many people are being told when they try to pick up a Tamiflu prescription.
Many pharmacy's get Tamiflu shipments everyday, only to be out by the time they close.
Chrissy Heintz said she almost couldn't get it when her daughter got the flu last week.
"She actually called another family and the family wasn't going to pick their prescription up. So she was like 'you lucked out, you got the last prescription,'" she said.
Pharmacists said people should pick up your prescription as soon as you can.
"The sooner you start the Tamiflu, when you've got the flu, the more effective it's going to be at shortening the duration and severity of the flu," said Nick Sloffer, Kroger Pharmacy Coordinator. -
Sloffer said there are plenty of prescriptions available at Kroger stores in the area
"We want to get everyone taken care of. we want to keep everyone protected and keep everybody healthy," said Sloffer.
Flu season usually lasts into the spring.
But Heintz is hoping she's done with the flu in her house.
"I have another daughter too but she's had no symptoms or signs so I'm hoping and praying that we're out of the clear," said Heintz.
Allen County Health Commissioner Dr. Deborah McMahon is still urging everyone to get a flu shot.
She said even if it doesn't protect from all strains of the flu, it will help reduce the severity.
