Is the flu on the rise in the state?

Flu may be on the rise in Connecticut.

Though it fluctuates year to year, the number of both laboratoryconfirmed cases of influenza and deaths related to the flu have risen since 2010, based on a Hearst Connecticut Media review of statemaintained data.

Connecticut’s Department of Public Health publishes reports of flurelated activity on a weekbyweek basis, releasing a full report of the year’s influenza cases at the end of the flu season.

The 20172018 flu season was the worst since 2010, according to the DPH data, with 14,382 laboratoryconfirmed cases of flu in Connecticut, and 184 flurelated deaths.

“The 20172018 influenza season was notable for having one of the highest levels of flu activity observed during the past decade within Connecticut and throughout the United States,” the DPH’s season summary said for the year. “Geographically widespread flu activity persisted from December 2017 through May 2018.”

Compare that to the 20112012 influenza season, when there were a total of 1,083 confirmed cases of flu, and only one death from the disease.

“Overall, influenza activity was among the lowest flu activity seasons recorded during the past decade,” the DPH said then.

That year was preceded by an especially bad season: There was a spike in confirmed flu cases during the 20092010 flu season, with a total of 12,467 in the state.

There have been only 58 influenzarelated hospitalizations so far this year and two flurelated deaths, according to the state, though the season is just getting started. Several times in the past decade

DPH has detailed two distinct waves of flu — a peak of cases in December and another in the spring.

When the first two flurelated deaths were reported last month — one person from Litchfield County and another from Fairfield County, both older than 65 — DPH Commissioner Renee D. ColemanMitchell urged Connecticut residents to take precautions.

“I advise all Connecticut residents to take the proactive step to protect their health during flu season by getting a flu shot,” she said. “Flu vaccines are safe and effective, and can either help prevent you from becoming infected by this serious virus, or help lessen your symptoms if you do get sick. Talk to your health care provider, pharmacist or local health department about the easiest way to get a flu shot.”