The beginning of flu season is hitting Indiana especially hard this year.
Indiana has been upgraded to “Widespread” flu activity which is the highest level possible. That’s according to the latest CDC Influenza Surveillance Report.
As of right now, Indiana is the only state in the Midwest with the official “Widespread” flu activity label.
Abigail Maxwell is with the St. Joseph County Department of Health. She said researchers have seen a strain of the flu that normally doesn’t show up until later in the season.
"A strain that we maybe see later on is now emerging earlier and it’s unsure what that will mean for the flu season but it’s something that could potentially impact the severity.”
Maxwell said the thick of flu season is still ahead.
“A lot of people don’t realize that February can be the worst month for the flu, so it’s not too late to get vaccinated.”
She says the best way to prevent the flu is by getting the vaccine.
Contact Annacaroline at acaruso@wvpe.org or follow her on Twitter at @AnnacarolineC16
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