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Beckley Today
By the People, for the People
Flu Cases on the Rise, Pharmacist Warns
Local provider sees spike in flu and other winter illnesses as temperatures warm up.
Published on Feb. 17, 2026
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Despite rising temperatures, a local pharmacist in Beckley, West Virginia is reporting a recent uptick in flu cases and other wintertime illnesses. The manager of Black Bear Pharmacy, Mark Dzara, says he's seen a lot more patients coming in to get Tamiflu and that people should also be wary of the spread of COVID-19 and the common cold.
Why it matters
The persistence of flu and other contagious viruses into the spring months is concerning, as it could indicate a longer and more severe flu season than usual. This is especially worrying given the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The details
Dzara, the pharmacy manager, noted that many patients have been coming in to get Tamiflu, a common antiviral medication used to treat the flu. He also advised that people should be cautious about the potential spread of COVID-19 and the common cold, and that wearing a mask could help prevent transmission of these illnesses.
- The colder months have historically coincided with an uptick in cases of cold, flu, and other contagious viruses.
- Even with spring around the corner, providers have said many patients are still struggling to ward off the effects of these types of viruses.
The players
Mark Dzara
The manager of Black Bear Pharmacy in Beckley, West Virginia.
What they’re saying
“I've definitely seen a lot more cases of the flu picking up lately. A lot of people get Tamiflu here, so we've been seeing that. Even just today, a bunch of cases of it.”
— Mark Dzara, Pharmacy Manager (wvnstv.com)
The takeaway
The persistence of flu and other contagious illnesses into the spring months is a concerning trend that highlights the need for continued vigilance and preventative measures, even as temperatures rise. Pharmacists and other healthcare providers will be closely monitoring the situation in the coming weeks.
