Flu widespread in 47 states

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - The flu is now being called a nationwide epidemic, and is widespread in all but tree states.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the states where the flu has not reached widespread levels are California, Mississippi and Hawaii.

Experts caution this does not mean Americans are in a dire situation, especially in Hampton Roads. 

Local pharmacies report a rush over the past week of prescriptions for Tamiflu, the medication used to cut the duration of the virus by a few days. There have been so many prescriptions that some pharmacies are running out of the drug.

"The liquid is totally gone, right now they're rationing out the capsules," pharmacist Leigh Williams at Lawrence Pharmacy in Deep Creek said.

State Health officials say the liquid form of Tamifly is perfectly safe, but sporadic shortages they say are more reason to consider a flu shot.

Even though it takes two weeks to be effective, doctors say it's not too late to roll up your sleeves. They fear there could be another peak of this flu in February or March.