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Flu outbreaks are widespread – season peaking early

The flu season is here – and has been here since mid-December. Higher than average hospital visits and emergency room visits have been reported nationwide with over 106 influenza-related deaths reported across the country. “Obviously we hear these reports and prepare ourselves and get ready,” said Sam Jarvis with the Knox County Health Department. “So it’s always important to be on the look-out. The State does its own flu surveillance throughout the year – and right now they’re reporting widespread activity, so we’re in the beginning of it and will probably see it through the rest of the season.” Last year, the flu season peaked in February – this season, the flu seems to have been widespread since mid-December. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, last week alone, of the 1,923 influenza tests given, 539 came back positive. Intensive care admissions associated with influenza last week reached 175 in the state. Over the season, there has been a reported 244 outbreaks – 23 last week alone in Illinois. Health officials recommend that people who have not yet received a flu vaccine do so. The vaccine would be effective for the rest of the season, which typically lasts through April.

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