(image: Freepik)
State health officials are reporting low influenza activity in Minnesota right now, but that could change over the holidays.
The Department of Health’s Jeff Sanders says last year’s flu season also started slow, but took off during the winter…
“We would characterize it as a severe season both in Minnesota and nationally. So we don’t know if we’re going to have back-to-back severe seasons. However, it’s important to note that the flu can be a serious illness even for otherwise healthy people.”
Sanders says the influenza vaccine provides protection against hospitalizations and emergency room visits.
Kristi Rathmanner, a Public Health Nurse with Wright County Public Health says last year, most hospitalizations in our area involved severe respiratory concerns like pneumonia…
“We did see a lot more hospitalizations and deaths. If you are immunized, it doesn’t mean that you can’t get the flu, but if you get it, but it will help you recover more quickly because you have that baseline memory of the virus.”
She says virtually all persons should get a flu shot…
“So anyone six months and older are recommended to get a flu vaccine each year. Kids who are six months to eight years of age might need two doses, it depends on how many doses they’ve had in the previous season. It’s also really important for anyone 65 and older, but really anyone six months and older should get it.”
Flu shots have been available since early October, but right now is still a good time to get immunized for the biggest part of the influenza season ahead. Your primary physician, as well as most pharmacies are able to administer this year’s flu vaccine.
(content: in part, courtesy MNN)
