While so far this flu season has been quite mild when compared to last season, Steele County health care providers are reporting an increase in influenza illnesses according to Steele County Public Health. So far there have been just 165 hospitalizations in Minnesota compared to 6,446 in 2017-2018.

New numbers from the Center For Disease Control does show Minnesota is now listed as moderate when it comes to influenza like illnesses. Neighboring North and South Dakota along with Iowa and Wisconsin still remain low to minimal on the list.

Southeastern Minnesota ranks second to the metro area in terms of influenza reported illnesses in the state. Steele County Public Health reminds us that complications from influenza can lead to severe illness. Flu vaccinations are still available at the Mayo Clinic Health System Owatonna, local pharmacies and Steele County Public Health. Your best protection against the flu is a flu shot.

 

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