Health division reports hundreds of flu cases since start of season

January 12, 2020

This article appeared in The Oakland Press. Read more here.

The Oakland County Health Division has confirmed 484 cases of the flu in the county since the beginning of flu season on Oct. 6, 2019. Additionally, 16 hospitalizations and two adult influenza deaths have been reported to OCHD as of Jan. 4.

The health department also gave 6,228 flu vaccinations.

“I can tell you that Michigan lags behind the national vaccination rate. Last flu season, only 46.1 percent of Michiganders reported receiving a flu vaccine, below the national rate of 49.2 percent,” said Lynn Sutfin, public information officer for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “CDC came up with this information via phone surveys.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that seasonal flu activity in the United States is high and continues to increase. Activity has been elevated for eight weeks, as of Dec. 28.

Flu symptoms include:

fever
sore throat
cough
runny/stuffy nose
muscle aches
chills
fatigue
a weak or compromised immune system

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Recommended Immunization Schedules

These schedules list the age or age range when each vaccine or series of shots is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If your child (birth through 6 years old) or adolescent (age 7 through 18 years old) has missed any shots, talk to your child’s doctor about getting back on track.

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Building Blocks for MI Immunity from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

Vaccine Schedule Based On Your Child’s Birthday
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Request a copy of your child’s MCIR record from MDHHS department

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Mobile app from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
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Voices for Vaccines
Voices for Vaccines is a parent-led organization that supports and advocates for on-time vaccination and the reduction of vaccine-preventable disease.

Seattle Mama Doc: A Blog by Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson
Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson is a practicing pediatrician and the mother of two young boys. She practices at The Everett Clinic in Mill Creek, Washington, is on the medical staff at Seattle Children’s and is a clinical instructor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington.

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Health division reports hundreds of flu cases since start of season

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