ST. PAUL - Influenza cases are on the rise in Minnesota, the state Department of Health said as it reported the season’s first flu death this week.
Influenza activity has increased in Minnesota over the last couple of weeks, the department said in a news release. Flu-related hospitalizations, positive influenza tests and the number of influenza-like illness outbreaks have all increased.
The fatally stricken victim was a child, who was not identified.
“With influenza on the rise, now is the time to get your flu vaccine if you haven’t already,” Kris Ehresmann, director of the department’s Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control division, said in the statement. “It takes about two weeks for your body to build up immunity after getting vaccinated, so you can reduce your chances of getting influenza during the holiday season by getting vaccinated now.”
The department says flu shots are recommended for everyone age 6 months and older unless they cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. Those at high risk of serious flu complications are especially encouraged to get vaccinated. Those groups are pregnant women, seniors, young children and those with chronic medical conditions.
