GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – In the past week, confirmed cases of the flu have spiked in Wisconsin.
The state’s Department of Health Services says there were 591 cases reported last week, up from 246 the week prior.
Since the season started in the fall, nearly 1,000 cases have been confirmed in the Badger State.
The 1,200 statewide hospitalizations this season are signifcantly more than the 235 seen at this time last year.
While local statistics are not yet available, Brown County Health officials say the county seems to be in line with the statewide trend.
County Nurse Manager Ann Steinberger is not suprised by the recent uptick in cases, saying that February is typically the month where flu cases peak. She says that typically lasts anywhere from one week to one month.
Steinberger notes health officials have identified this year’s strain of the flu as the H3N2, which has a more severe affect on the elderly and young children than the H1N1 variation.
Since it is unknown when the season will end, Steinberger encourages people to ask their health provider for a flu shot, if they have not received one already.
Steinberger says the current vaccine should be good through June.
In an effort to avoid the flu, she also encourages people to follow common sense practices such as frequently washing their hands, covering their mouth when coughing or sneezing, and staying home when sick.
