Health workers in Northern Michigan are warning about the dramatic increase they’ve seen this year in the number of Influenza-A cases.
Known more commonly as the flu, experts said the increase is one we haven’t experienced in recent years.
Area hospitals and the local health department report that they are seeing higher numbers this year than before the Covid-19 pandemic.
The System director for infection, prevention, and epidemiology at Munson Healthcare, Joanna Benchley said the numbers of respiratory illnesses can change from year to year.
“We’re seeing, just a few RSV, and COVID’s nothing like we’ve seen in the past, a few, pneumonia cases, but the flu definitely is, number one, virus that we’re seeing admitted to the hospital,” said Benchley.
Benchley said when it comes to respiratory illnesses this year, the flu has taken center stage.
“In January, we started to see high activity for flu. And since then, it has really increased to very high starting the end of January and has continued throughout the month of February,” said Benchley.
Benchley said of the 270 patients they tested for flu last week, 62 were positive. 34 had to be hospitalized.
Munson said there are several factors contributing to the rise in flu cases.
“There’s less percentage of the population that’s been vaccinated for the flu this flu season. People that may just have those mild symptoms think it’s just a cold or allergies and they go about their business.”
Benchley also said the vigilance we had during COVID-19 has waned.
“We’re not taking those extra precautions, like we’ve done in the past with Covid, and the masking and you know more of an awareness, getting tested and staying home and being more vigilant,” said Benchley.
Claire Jansen, the communicable disease coordinator for District Health Department No.10 said there were a number of schools closed in the area recently.
“I think we’ve had around maybe three schools that have closed,” Jansen said. “When school’s closed, it’s basically a decision on how many kids are out. Or, if the teachers are sick and out and there’s not enough subs and people to be able to teach the kids.”
Jansen said it also gives kids time to be away from each other and for schools to complete deep cleaning.
Munson Healthcare said the flu is very contagious but there are things you can do to protect yourself.
“A vaccine is the number one way to prevent any of those, COVID-19 and flu and RSV for those that are eligible for that vaccine,” Benchley said. “Washing your hands, covering your cough and if you are symptomatic, to really just stay home— stay out of the public. Stay home for at least five days after your symptoms start,” Benchley said .