Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department

 

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Current Information
 

 

Tragically, CDC reported three flu-related pediatric deaths, bringing the 2022–2023 season total to five pediatric deaths. There are early increases in reports of hospitalizations nationally and in multiple locations in Wisconsin. Reporting in the FluSurv-NET hospitalization surveillance system shows:

• The current cumulative hospitalization rate for this season (October 1–November 5) is higher than the rate observed during the same time period during previous seasons going back to 2010–2011.

• Hospitalization rates from FluSurv-NET are highest among people 65 years and older followed by children 0 to 4 years.

• These increases in hospitalizations do not necessarily indicate increased severity this season but do indicate that flu activity is starting earlier than usual.

• It is too early to tell how severe this flu season will be. CDC will continue tracking flu severity throughout the season.

Key points about flu vaccines

• Now is the best time to get a flu vaccine to prevent illness and death.

• Everyone 6 months and older, with rare exception, should get a flu vaccine every season.

• COVID-19 and flu vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.

• Patients can find a flu vaccine by visiting vaccines.gov and entering their zip code.

• Health care providers should give a strong recommendation for the flu vaccine using a technique like S.H.A.R.E. and outreach to patients who have not yet received a vaccine.

• ​Flu vaccination is especially important for pregnant people, young children, and older people.​

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Wisconsin Department of Health Services Health Alert:
Increased Circulation of Multiple Respiratory Viruses Among Children and Adults in Wisconsin

• Department of Health Services (DHS) surveillance data indicate a significant increase respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza activity in Wisconsin. Simultaneous increases of both viruses are unusual for this time of year.
• Significant increases in hospitalizations for these respiratory illnesses, especially among children, have been noted in multiple locations across Wisconsin.
• To inform clinical management and infection prevention decisions, clinicians should prioritize testing patients with respiratory illness for both COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses using a multiplex respiratory virus panel.
• People who have symptoms should stay home to prevent the potential spread of illness, especially in schools, childcare programs, long-term care facilities, hospitals, and other settings where close contact is likely.

Mission & Vision

Public Health protects and improves the health of families and communities through promotion of healthy lifestyles, research for disease and injury prevention and detection, and control of infectious diseases of an entire population.

Agency Staff