MWC
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Flu cases in Wisconsin have decreased for the second straight week.
As of Jan. 10, which is the most recent data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, flu cases fell from 15 per every 100,000 residents to just over nine.
Flu activity in Wisconsin remains “high” — but is down from “very high” from the report Jan. 3.
“The good news is, it does seem to have peaked. Which, given that it was a very intense respiratory season, is a good thing, especially for our communities,” said Megan Meller, an infection preventionist at Emplify Health by Bellin.
She said it’s been an active flu season for emergency rooms.
“We were seeing a lot of emergency room visits, which is to be expected. We were seeing a lot of people who were coming in very sick. They want to be seen, so you’re seeing those after hours and those weekend visits. Our ERs were very busy for a couple weekends there,” Meller explained.
ThedaCare in Appleton also saw an increase in doctor’s office and emergency room visits, according to Dr. Santi Budiasih.
“I do think this year is a little bit higher than last year, and we’ve seen it sooner than last year as well.” Budiasih said, “This year, I have been seeing an influenza case every day, which is not only for me, but for my colleagues also, which is unfortunate.”
And the flu season isn’t over yet. While cases may be on the downward trend, Meller said it’s important to be mindful of your health.
“If you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Stay home from school, stay home from work, take care of yourself. If you need to run errands, there’s always an option to wear a mask or maybe get those groceries picked up for you,” Meller said.
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