Madeline Heim
Flu activity spiked across Wisconsin over the holidays, with nearly 1 in 10 people visiting an emergency room the week of Dec. 21-27 having an influenza diagnosis, almost double the week prior.
New respiratory illness data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services show flu activity in the state was classified as "very high" that week, up from "moderate" the week before.
Such an increase is typical as people travel and gather together for the holidays. But it's a warning sign of what could be a tough flu season ahead, driven largely by a new variant of the influenza A virus known as H3N2 subclade K.
Over 620 people were hospitalized across Wisconsin with the flu the week ending Dec. 27, data show, more than a two-fold increase from the week prior. The majority were residents ages 65 and older.
Wisconsin is not alone. Flu cases are surging around the U.S., with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimating at least 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths from the flu so far this season as of Dec. 20. The number of illnesses recorded grew 63% from the week prior.
The 2025-2026 U.S. flu season's severity level is still classified as low, according to the CDC, and health experts caution that it's too early to tell the impact of the new variant. The CDC does predict that influenza activity will continue for several weeks.
In the Milwaukee area, sharply rising levels of influenza A in wastewater – one way health officials measure the spread of respiratory disease – indicate sustained activity.
Last year's flu season was particularly intense in Wisconsin, peaking later in the season with more than 860 people hospitalized with the flu the week of Feb. 8, 2025.
State health officials say the best way to avoid the flu is to wash your hands, stay home if you are sick and get the flu vaccine, available to anyone 6 months and older.
To get vaccinated, residents can check with their doctor, health department, pharmacy or other community clinic. People who do not have health insurance can use programs such as the Vaccines for Children program and Vaccines for Adults program.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment