Flu Activity Remains Widespread

Flu activity in Minnesota has been classified as “widespread” for a second straight week.The weekly report from the Minnesota Department of Health shows the number of people hospitalized because of confirmed influenza cases hit a season high 144 last week.

While that’s up 26 from the previous week, the statistics continue to suggest this is shaping up to be a relatively mild flu season.  There have been fewer than 20 probable outbreaks reported by Minnesota schools and only 4 long-term care centers have reported outbreaks since the start of the flu season.  Some of the indicators included in the health department’s flu report actually declined last week, but that could be related to the New Year’s Holiday and the arctic cold blast.