Even though this has been a relatively mild flu season, health officials are starting to see cases of influenza beginning to escalate.
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It’s the second week of February and the number of reported flu cases in Minnesota remains low. However, the flu comes on quickly and is more physically draining. The Department of Health urges all Tennesseans who have not yet received a flu vaccine to get one now to help protect themselves and those around them from the flu virus.
“Flu activity is increasing in San Diego and is widespread in the state”, said Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county’s public health officer.
Delayed delivery of certain influenza vaccine products means supplies are still available at the health department. “So, there’s still plenty of time to get that vaccine”, said Teresa Casey, Nurse Program Manager for the Communicable Disease Team at the Barren River District Health Department. “Maybe the reason that our flu season isn’t as bad is that more people got vaccinated”, says Foo.
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It takes about two weeks to be protected after getting the flu vaccine. So far, just 92 people have been hospitalized in Minnesota because of influenza. The Health Department recommends that everyone six months of age or older receive a flu vaccination. The clinic will provide flu vaccinations at no cost to patients until vaccine supplies are depleted. Flu symptoms are similar to the common cold, but the virus is more physically draining. The flu season can run from October through, May so it’s possible we haven’t hit our peak.
