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Flu cases on the rise nationwide
Of the 50 states, 40 are reporting high or very high levels of flu activity. Nearly released data shows the current U.S. flu season is shattering records.
MILWAUKEE - Of the 50 states, 40 are reporting high or very high levels of flu activity. Nearly released data shows the current U.S. flu season is shattering records.
The Milwaukee Health Department is tracking high levels of Influenza A and B. Right now, wastewater surveillance data shows Influenza A makes up a large portion of cases in Milwaukee County.
Testing results from patients indicate that two strains of seasonal flu that are causing most illnesses — a Type A H1N1 and a Type A H3N2. Health officials are closely watching a third strain — a bird flu known as Type A H5N1 — that has sickened tens of millions of animals, but is known to have infected only 67 people in the U.S.
So far this season, the CDC estimates there have been at least 24 million flu illnesses and 13,000 deaths — including at least 57 children.
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To avoid seasonal viruses, doctors say you should avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth because germs can spread that way. You should also wash your hands with soap and water, clean frequently touched surfaces and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Flu vaccination
What you can do:
U.S. health officials recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccination.
About 44% of adults got flu shots this winter, the same as last winter. But coverage of children is way down, at about 45% this winter. It’s usually around 50%, according to CDC data.
About 23% of U.S. adults were up to date in their COVID-19 vaccinations as of late January, up from about 20% at the same point in time the year before. COVID-19 vaccination rates for kids were about the same, at around 12%.
The Source: The Associated Press contributed to this report.