Flu cases drop in last week
With COVID-19 still surging in the state of Michigan, the number of influenza cases has dropped in the past week.
A total of 1,195 patient visits due to influenza-like illness was reported out of 73,543 office visits in Michigan for the week ending Nov. 27. That is a 1.6% ILI activity rate for the state, dropped from 2.1% one week ago.
It is up from 1% one year ago according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, which releases the numbers weekly during flu season. Flu cases were abnormally low last season because of precautions taken for COVID, such as mask wearing, social distancing and hand hygiene.
Comparatively, the number nationally is 2.4% of outpatient visits that were due to ILI. That is up slightly from 2.2% the previous week.
ILI is defined as a fever (higher than 100 degrees) and a cough and/or a sore throat without a known cause other than influenza.
Michiganders are reminded to get their flu vaccine as soon as possible to protect themselves and their communities from flu, especially while continuing to battle COVID-19. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered at the same time, according to the MDHHS.
“Everyone aged 6 months and up is recommended to receive a flu vaccine and getting it does make a difference — doing your part helps keep your friends, family and neighbors safe,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “There is an ample supply of flu vaccine available in many convenient locations from primary care providers to local pharmacies. We know these vaccines are safe and they protect vulnerable Michiganders.”
During the holidays, officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are particularly concerned about the impact reduced immunity could have on people who are already at higher risk of developing serious flu complications, including those with certain chronic health conditions like asthma, heart disease and diabetes. Getting the flu vaccine reduces the risk of serious flu complications.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual flu vaccine as the best way to protect against the flu and potential complications. The vaccine is recommended for everyone over age 6 months.
Michigan’s goal is to vaccinate 4 million residents against the flu. As of Nov. 27, 2,506,909 doses have been administered (64.1% towards goal) for the 20212022 flu season. Last flu season, approximately 3.5 million people in Michigan received a flu vaccine as reported to the Michigan Care Improvement Registry. Flu shots will not prevent COVID-19 but will help reduce the risk of flu-related illness including hospitalization and death, according to the Oakland County Health Division. Getting a flu vaccine will not only reduce your risk from flu, but also lessen the burden on the healthcare system this winter.