The flu epidemic has hit our area hard, and with it came bacterial pneumonia.

After someone has endured symptoms of the flu, they start coughing up green mucus and have a high fever again.

During this season, at this time, there have been 239 cases of the flu at Winchester Medical Center alone.

Last year, there were only three cases of the flu.

Doctor Mark Golbraith said the vaccine hasn't worked as well as it usually does, and the hospital has had to admit a couple people because of both the flu and bacterial pneumonia.

"We're seeing enough of those cases that we've had to admit several of those people. Even in the offices we're having to give antibiotics. Remember, antibiotics don't work for the flu but they do for these bacterial pneumonias," said Dr. Mark Galbraith.

He said if you face similar symptoms to the flu or bacterial pneumonia, it's important to talk to your primary care doctor, or visit an urgent care center.