Milwaukee Health Dept. reports 100 flu hospitalizations in city
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Milwaukee Health Department on Tuesday, January 7th said cases of influenza have been confirmed statewide -- hospitalizing more than 100 individuals in the city of Milwaukee alone. The Health Department is encouraging folks to get a flu vaccine.
“This is the time of year when we typically see flu cases increase,” said Mayor Tom Barrett. “If you have not already received your flu vaccine, I urge everyone over 6 months of age to visit their doctor, clinic, or pharmacy to get vaccinated today. Even healthy people can get the flu and spread it to others.”
"Now's the time to get vaccinated," Paul Biedrzycki with the Health Dept. said.
Influenza (the flu) is among the most common respiratory illnesses in the United States, infecting millions of people each year. The virus is spread through the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
Symptoms of seasonal flu include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, and fatigue. Though common, the flu can be serious, leading to hospitalization and sometimes death in the most vulnerable populations, including infants and young children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.
Milwaukee Health officials say this year's strain is essentially the same as the 2009 H1N1 swine flu, and like that pandemic, it's targeting young and middle-aged adults in higher numbers.
Hospitalizations among the elderly are actually down 63 percent from last year. Among young and middle-aged adults, they're up 40 percent.
Health officials call this a serious strain -- with about 20 percent of hospitalizations statewide in the intensive care unit.
“This year, we are seeing an increase in young and middle-age adults who are being hospitalized with complications related to the seasonal flu,” said Commissioner of Health Bevan K. Baker. “The single best way to protect yourself and your family is to get the flu vaccine. If you do get sick, pay attention to the severity of your symptoms, and contact a doctor for antiviral medication if necessary.”
The flu vaccine is recommended for all individuals over 6 months of age. Those especially at risk include people with certain medical conditions like asthma, diabetes and lung disease, as well as the elderly, pregnant women and young children.
Along with vaccination, antiviral medications can be highly effective in reducing the severity and duration of illness in individuals at high risk for complications associated with the flu as well as individuals with persistent or severe symptoms. Antivirals are in good supply and available from health care providers.
The MHD encourages frequent hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes with your sleeve to reduce the spread of the flu, as well as other viruses that circulate during the winter months. Those experiencing symptoms should remain home from work or school, get rest, and drink plenty of fluids, and take antivirals if recommended.
"We have yet to reach our peak. We are seeing flu numbers increase citywide regionally, and statewide I anticipate we will be at widespread activity in the coming week or so," Biedrzycki said.
Flu vaccine remains available through local health care providers and retail pharmacies, though area residents are advised to call ahead to determine availability. Individuals looking for a location to receive vaccine near their home can use the flu vaccine finder at www.milwaukee.gov/health.