Above Average Flu Cases in Ashland and Bayfield
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ASHLAND - Health experts tell FOX 21 Ashland and Bayfield's flu season usually peaks at the end of January. We're not quite there yet and they've already been identified as having higher than normal flu cases.
Officials say Ashland and Bayfield Counties are usually one of the last areas affected by the flu because the virus typically travels from south to north, but that isn't the case this year.
Experts also say they are seeing more symptoms in the 18–64 year old age group which is normally the healthier and less affected population.
So far the counties have had nine confirmed cases of residents who have been hospitalized with severe flu symptoms.
Officials say it's not too late to get the flu shot.
"I would encourage it because it's been proven scientifically that it's highly effective," Ashland County Health and Human Services Health Officer Cyndi Zach said.
Health officicals also recommend practicing healthy habits like covering your mouth when you cough, frequent hand washing and staying at home if you have flu like symptoms to prevent it from spreading.
Officials say this year’s flu shot is effective until the end of June and the vaccine includes the H1N1 strain.