Minnesota is experiencing an unprecedented flu season, with record hospitalizations reported in the first week of the new year. A total of 722 flu hospitalizations were recorded, surpassing the previous high of 649 set during the 2014-2015 flu season.
According to health experts, the holiday gatherings played a significant role in the surge in cases. “It makes it very easy for droplets to spread from one person to another,” said Melissa McMahon, Influenza Supervisor with the Minnesota Department of Health. The majority of hospitalizations, 65 and older, are being treated in the metro area.
Leading infectious disease physician Dr. Frank Rhame warned that this year’s flu season is unusually rapid and scary. “The best thing you can do to prevent yourself from getting sick is wash your hands and get the flu shot,” he advised. If infected, Rhame emphasized keeping individuals with the flu separate from others and ensuring they wash their hands carefully.
Source: https://www.fox9.com/news/hospitals-packed-minnesota-seeks-unprecedented-flu-norovirus-spike