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The Ingham County Health Department (ICHD) has a message for Mid-Michigan—the respiratory virus season is still in full swing across the state.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Michigan is currently a “hotspot” for the flu. The CDC has listed Michigan as a high-activity state for the flu, along with 13 other states, such as Iowa and Tennessee.
Compared to COVID-19 and RSV, the flu has the highest rate of positive tests across the United States at 15.4%.
Local health departments shared tips on avoiding getting sick and are once again stressing the importance of getting vaccinated.
“We are at about 5.7%, and nationally, I think the average is about 3.7 or 4,” said Ingham County Health Officer Dr. Nike Shoyinka.
She said that in the past, flu season was typically winding down around this time of year. But here in Michigan, she said, “We’re not out of flu season yet.”
According to Dr. Shoyinka, this year is a little different because the virus usually dies around this time.
“Yes, the timing is a little different, but we have seen similar rates before.”
Iesha Westbrook, a mother of four, said she doesn’t schedule flu or covid shots for her kids. “We’ve been doing okay without the vaccines.” But she said she takes precautionary steps, like hand washing, to keep her kids and others safe.
“We’re really big on having a healthy environment. I own a cleaning company, so I like to keep things cleaned, sanitized.”
Dr. Shoyinka recommended staying home when you feel sick, and if you must leave home, she urged wearing a mask. She also stressed that getting vaccinated is the most important thing to protect yourself.
“Vaccinations are one of the number one ways to prevent and reduce flu, influenza, and the related complications.”
While there’s an uptick in flu cases, the CDC said COVID-19 and RSV cases are going down.
If you are looking for a place to get vaccinations, immunizations, or more information on precautions, call the ICHD Immunization Clinic phone number at (517) 887-4316 or visit their website.