The flu is filling emergency rooms and emptying classrooms earlier than usual this year, causing health officials to worry the season could be brutal — and deadly.

Though Kansas health officials don’t report the number of flu cases, a Lawrence Memorial Hospital expert said she didn’t need official numbers to know the bug was biting harder and earlier.

“Our emergency rooms have definitely seen an increase in activity,” said Janet Wherle, an infection control practitioner at the hospital. “In a week’s time we’ve had 87 positive cases of influenza.”

It’s even hitting those who have been vaccinated, she said.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has reported one confirmed death as a result of the influenza virus.

Across the state, recent weeks have brought an increase in the number of people complaining of fever, coughing and muscle aches.

“The easiest way to describe it is that you feel like you’ve been hit by a truck,” said Dr. Bob Sager, a family practice physician in Liberal.

Flu season begins in November, but January and February typically are peak months.

At least five youngsters have died from the flu in Colorado. Some parts of Texas and Nevada also have been hit hard a month earlier than usual.

6News video: Flu bug hits area Early flu outbreak worries officials (11-29-03)Influenza information

‘Localized’ in Kansas

Hard data on the number of flu cases statewide is not available in Kansas, said Dr. Gail Hansen, deputy state epidemiologist, because state law does not compel health officials to report influenza.

Twenty health providers scattered across Kansas do report flu cases to the state laboratory for confirmation. They are seeing flu cases primarily in localized pockets in southwest, south-central and northeast Kansas.

Dr. James Fitzgerald, director of emergency room operations at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal, said his staff had treated more than 200 people with flu-like symptoms in the past two weeks.

“We have seen people coming in with a sudden onset of fever and chills, a dry cough and feeling body aches. These are classic symptoms of influenza,” he said.

School nurses also are swamped.

In Wichita, Curtis Middle School had 200 of its 800 students out ill, said Kathy Hubka, health services coordinator for Wichita public schools. Cloud Elementary School was missing about 100 of its 700 students. One school sent home 13 students in one hour Wednesday, while another sent home four, Hubka said.

Students typically had temperatures over 100 degrees, as well as coughing and sneezing, she said.

“It sounds a lot like the flu, but we can’t say that until they have seen a doctor,” Hubka said.

Fujian strain

Some are blaming the so-called Fujian strain for the record high numbers nationwide. The strain, which was not included in this year’s flu vaccine, has not been reported in Kansas.

“Its pretty common to have a strain floating around that is not in the vaccine,” KDHE’s Hansen said.

Because Fujian is a cousin of one of the strains in the vaccine, health officials said this year’s vaccine could offer some protection.

“It will be a while before we know how effective the vaccine is against the so-called new strain,” Hansen said. “It’s too early to tell.”

Despite the unknowns, it’s still a good idea to get the vaccination, she said, and it’s not too late.

“The reality is, most people who have had bad cases of the flu (this year) have not gotten the vaccine,” Hansen said.

Julie Gerberding, director of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said she was concerned the public had become complacent about the flu.

“We need to get the word out that there is plenty of vaccine available and a flu shot is the best protection against influenza, which kills about 36,000 Americans each year,” she said.

Widespread in 10 states

So far this year, the CDC has classified 10 states as having “widespread” flu conditions, the highest rating on a six-level scale. Kansas now is considered to have “local activity,” but Hansen said the state soon would move up a level to “regional” status, the second-highest rating.

One reason may be the soaring number of cases in nearby states.

Nebraska health officials expected the confirmed number of cases to reach 700 in the Omaha area by Wednesday evening, up from one case a year ago.

Missouri health officials have confirmed 916 cases, up from fewer than 20 a year ago.

The Colorado Department of Health and Environment has confirmed 6,306 cases, five flu-related deaths and are investigating a sixth possible death.

“Emergency rooms have been pretty busy,” said Lori Maldonado of the Colorado Health Department.

Health officials are concerned about more than the flu this season.

A study conducted by University of Louisville and submitted to the CDC determined the United States was not equipped to deal with a SARS outbreak, which the nation managed to elude earlier this past winter.

Health officials are concerned the severe acute respiratory syndrome could find a foothold in a bad flu season.

This story includes information from J-W wire services.