Health officials: Flu season is most severe in five years

MADISON (WITI) -- The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says this year's flu season is the most severe in Wisconsin in five years (excluding the H1N1 pandemic in 2009). 

Health officials say as of Tuesday, January 8th, there are 1,287 flu associated hospitalizations and as of Friday, January 4th, 2,837 flu cases in the state of Wisconsin.

Officials say the flu season is about a month ahead of schedule, and hasn't yet peaked. The average peak is late January to early February.

Over the last few weeks, pharmacy staff at the Pick 'N Save store in Greenfield have been filling a lot of flu related prescriptions.

"If you catch the flu early, some of the doctors will hit them with Tamiflu. We have run out on occasion of the regular flu shot," Pick 'N Save Pharmacy Manager Jeff Brykotwica said.

Despite administering twice as many flu shots this season, the pharmacy is seeing more people come in with the illness.

"Around Christmas, around the holidays and New Year's is when I've seen the most cases present," Brykotwica said.

Beth Janke has been fighting the flu since Friday, January 4th. 

"I don't think I've been this sick since I was a little kid. You have body ache and chills. It's a nightmare," Janke said.

Due to the surge in flu cases, there is a reduced availability of the medication Tamiflu in Milwaukee County, though health officials say people shouldn't worry.

"It's not at a critical level. We're monitoring it closely," Paul Biedrzycki with the Milwaukee Health Department said.

Officials say the most effective way to prevent influenza is by getting vaccinated and it’s not too late for individuals to get the flu shot.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, everyone aged six months and older should be vaccinated.

Officials say the elderly, pregnant women and infants should exercise caution.

During the entire 2011-2012 influenza season there were a total of 2,034 confirmed cases and 389 flu associated hospitalizations.

CLICK HERE for additional information via the Department of Health Services website.