News

Contact: Dan Moris

This year’s flu season appears to be more similar to pre-Covid trends, causing concern for hospitals already impacted by rising Covid-19 cases. Overall, seasonal influenza activity remained low in Wisconsin at the beginning of December, but is expected to increase in the coming weeks.

Increased influenza activity and large outbreaks have already been reported among college and university students in Midwest states, including Wisconsin. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), the current predominant flu strain in Wisconsin is Influenza A/H3N2. Historically, seasons where Influenza A/H3N2 are the predominant virus result in higher morbidity and an increase in outbreaks, especially among the older population, young children, and those living in congregate settings.

The Wisconsin DHS recommends that all people aged six months and older, who do not have a medical contraindication, receive the influenza vaccine. The influenza vaccination will help prevent influenza illness symptoms that may be confused with COVID-19, helping reduce the burden on the healthcare system caused by healthcare visits and hospitalizations related to influenza.

“When we protect people from the flu by getting vaccinated, we help keep them from being hospitalized, which helps our healthcare workers who are caring for people with COVID and other health needs– a win-win-win,” said Kenneth Valyo, Doctor of Osteopathic Family Medicine at Crossing Rivers Health Clinic. “By getting the flu vaccine, you protect yourself and help your community too.”

Those with or without health insurance who wish to be vaccinated can call the Crossing Rivers Health Clinic at 608.357.2500 to schedule an appointment.