Community Corner
Flu Cases Should Increase Very Soon in Minnesota and Wisconsin
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state departments of health are telling people to get shots now.
Two hundred thirty-one people died of the flu in Minnesota during the 2012-13 season, according to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). That's a significant increase over the 2011-12 season, when 33 flu-related deaths were reported.
More than 3,000 people were hospitalized with flu-related symptoms in Minnesota during the 2012-13 season, which again is a significant increase over the previous year. In the 2011-12 season, 552 people were hospitalized with flu-related symptoms.
Flu statistics for last season were not immediately available from the Wisconsin Department of Health (WDH)
"Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, dry cough, and aching in the muscles and joints," according to the WDH. "Most people recover within a week after they become ill, although they may continue to feel tired for several days."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say people should get flu shots now, when flu activity is low. You can use the Vaccine Finder above to locate flu shots near you.
Flu activity is moderate right now in Minnesota, according to Google Flu Trends. It is low in Wisconsin.
Last year, flu activity peaked in late December. However, it's difficult to predict when the peak will hit.
More than 3,000 people were hospitalized with flu-related symptoms in Minnesota during the 2012-13 season, which again is a significant increase over the previous year. In the 2011-12 season, 552 people were hospitalized with flu-related symptoms.
Flu statistics for last season were not immediately available from the Wisconsin Department of Health (WDH)
"Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, dry cough, and aching in the muscles and joints," according to the WDH. "Most people recover within a week after they become ill, although they may continue to feel tired for several days."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say people should get flu shots now, when flu activity is low. You can use the Vaccine Finder above to locate flu shots near you.
Flu activity is moderate right now in Minnesota, according to Google Flu Trends. It is low in Wisconsin.
Last year, flu activity peaked in late December. However, it's difficult to predict when the peak will hit.
The CDC offers the following information:
- Who should get vaccinated
- When to get vaccinated
- Selecting a flu vaccine
- Symptoms, complications and severity
- Treatment if you get the flu
- How the flu spreads
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