Number of People Hospitalized due to Flu Continue to Rise

Officials with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services are encouraging people across the state to get the flu shot as the number of hospitalizations for the flu continue to climb.

Data released Friday shows that Wisconsin has seen 459 hospitalizations for the flu this season – which officials say is more than three times as many as this time last year. In addition, the number of people being admitted to intensive care for respiratory illnesses is also on the rise. 11 people in the state have also died due to complications from the flu.

Experts say the flu shot can help prevent the virus, and greatly reduce the symptoms if you get it. People are encouraged to practice good hygiene to help prevent the spread of the flu, including staying home when you’re sick, washing hands with soap and water, covering your cough and sneeze, and frequently cleaning surfaces in your home that are “commonly touched” like doorknobs, faucets and refrigerator handles.

Also this week, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention elevated Wisconsin to a “high flu” category after seeing a spike in flu cases at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.