Health leaders are still encouraging you to get your flu vaccine. The shots are available at hundreds of locations across metro Detroit, including at pharmacies, doctor's offices, urgent cares and even some grocery stores.

I took a look at the state's health website and it shows that as of two weeks ago, more than 2.5 million doses of the flu vaccine had been administered this season. That's about 24% of Michigan's population.

Right now, Michigan's flu activity is "very high," according to the CDC.

I spoke with Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the state's chief medical executive, about surging cases of flu in Michigan.

"The CDC website has us in very high flu activity. Is that what we're seeing here on the ground or is that just sort of a national view?" I asked.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's Chief Medical Executive: [00:00:42]

"We are seeing a lot of influenza here. Influenza A seems to be the predominant pathogen that is impacting people right now. And we're seeing this in a number of our metrics," Bagdasarian said. "We're seeing this in our wastewater data. We're seeing this in our emergency department data, and we're seeing this on the number of people testing positive for influenza A, So that is definitely something that is spreading like wildfire right now."

I also asked how much longer she expects this to continue.

"Are there any forecasts for what, the remainder of the flu season, the remainder of the infectious disease season might look like?" I asked.

"Well, with with all of these things, one of our best predictors is wastewater. And what we're seeing right now is wastewater is telling us that COVID-19 in wastewater is somewhat lower. And influenza in wastewater is higher. So I would expect to see those influenza rates continue to tick up a little bit longer just based on that wastewater data," Bagdasarian said.

Millions of Americans struggle to afford the prescriptions they rely on every day. But what if you could cut those costs without sacrificing your health?

Sandy Issacs is the founder of the Facebook group MI Broke Life Community Resources. She was prescribed a medication that cost between four and five hundred dollars a month but found it at an independent pharmacy for less than $40.

"And that was a huge relief because I couldn't afford $4000 or $500, and I needed this medication," Sandy said.

Dynamic Care Pharmacy in Royal Oak is one of those independent pharmacies, pharmacist Mira Patel says there are ways to save. The first is going generic.

"If it was me or my family, I would go to generic first because I know that they're effective, they work well, they're safe, and they save you money," Mira said.

David Brown drives 45 minutes from Waterford to Dynamic Care in Royal Oak.

"How many pharmacies did you pass on the way here?" I asked him.

"At least a dozen," he replied.

I asked Sandy, Mira and David for tips to save on prescription drugs. Sandy also highlighted using of generics for easy savings.

1. Ask for generics2. Consider using prescription saving cards. Like GoodRX, SingleCare or WellRx. Not every pharmacy accepts them, but there can be savings if they do. Do they really work?

"They do," Mira said. "GoodRX does work. I know that with independent pharmacies we tend to have our own internal plan that is pretty comparable."

3. Look into patient assistance programs

These come from the drug makers themselves. Google the name of the drug and patient assistance. Print the form and take it to your doctor.

"Either they or you can submit it to the company and you'll either get the medication for a really reduced cost or sometimes free," Sandy said.

4. Comparison shop

Drug prices can vary widely from pharmacy to pharmacy, so shop around, including national chains, independents and warehouse clubs in your area. Patel says make sure the pharmacy is in-network

"They have to do some work for that, but they could do that for 1 or 2 medications if it means them paying $40 versus $100,"

5. If youre using a medication long-term bulk buying is another way to save

Three months of medication doesnt always mean three times the deductible.

6. Check for manufacturer coupons

David says check for manufacturer coupons, adding theyre a life-saver for his mother, who was put on a medicine that has a $450 copay each month

"She has to use a discount card from the manufacturer. So the reason she can't afford her medication," David said. "She would not be able to have the medication."

7. See if you qualify for nonprofit programs

Like World Medical Relief in Southfield. They offer prescriptions for $8.30 to adults earning less and 44,800 a year.

8. Ask your provider about lower-cost alternatives

If there is cheaper medication in the same class they may agree to a switch.

Online groups like Issacs are also helping people navigate the cost of medicines and so much more. And the growth of MI Broke Life Community Resources shows the need is widespread and real.

"The people in need are the ones helping others find the help. And it's just it's amazing," Sandy said.

And you may want to skip insurance altogether if its cheaper out of pocket. Paying cash for generics gives some pharmacies flexibility in working with customers. Small changes can lead to big savings allowing you to take control of your prescription costsand your health.

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