28 confirmed cases of influenza in Conn.

In a report released Friday, the Connecticut Department of Public Health announced that there were 28 hospitalized patients throughout the state with flu confirmed in the laboratory.

These 28 patients were tested between August 26th and October 27th.

"Influenza activity has been slowly increasing in Connecticut since late August," the report says.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 1.5% of people nationwide have visited their health care provider with flu-like symptoms.

The percentage of state-wide emergency visits related to fever or flu-like symptoms increased from 5.1% in late August to 6% last week.

And in Bridgeport, officials urge people to get vaccinated to avoid catching the flu this season and spreading germs.

In the city, any adult living without insurance can get the flu shot at the Communicable Disease Clinic at 752 East Main Street on Tuesdays and Fridays between 1:00 pm and 1:00 pm. and 15 hours for $ 20. Those who can not afford the $ 20 flu shot at the clinic should call 203-576-7468 to find out if they are eligible to receive a free clinic shot.

Residents with insurance can receive a free flu shot at any CVS or Walgreens pharmacy.

However, anyone exposed must immediately consult a doctor as soon as they notice symptoms.

"People are more contagious before the symptoms appear," said a manager. "The time elapsed between the time a person is exposed to the influenza virus and infected until the symptoms develop is an average of about two days. At the first sign of the flu, consult your doctor. "

Symptoms may vary, but usually include fever, muscle aches, sore throat, headache, fatigue, runny nose and stuffy nose.

People most at risk of contracting the flu are young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illness or people aged 65 and over.

For more information, visit Bridgeportct.gov/FighttheFlu and www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html.