MONROE - Despite reports of an increase in flu cases statewide from the Department of Health Services, the influenza rate in Monroe appears to be average.
Monroe Clinic officials report they've seen no increase in patients throughout this flu season, despite reports that this season has seen more than five times as many flu cases than last season.
Thomas Haupt, influenza surveillance coordinator for the state Department of Health Services in Madison, confirmed a report that the 2016-2017 flu season has already well surpassed the previous season by amount of influenza-associated hospitalizations: Last week saw the number of hospitalizations surpass 1,200, compared with the 235 that occurred by this time last year.
Confirmed influenza cases statewide are similarly high, with 936 confirmed cases this year, compared to 176 during the same period last year.
Haupt said preliminary numbers for this week may bring the number of confirmed cases to above 1,200.
Haupt said the prevalent virus this year - a strain of subtype H3N2, one of the more common influenza subtypes - is a more powerful strain than last year's, spreading more effectively.
However, Haupt said the flu season is nearing its peak and the number of cases will likely drop off in the near future.
The flu season is considered to begin in late September until early May, with the spread of the illness peaking in around February and March.
Haupt said it is not too late for people to obtain the flu vaccine - which he said was working at the expected level of efficacy - this year.
"You're vaccinating for yourself, of course, but you're also vaccinating for those around you," Haupt said.
Monroe Clinic officials said the flu virus commonly affects the elderly more severely than younger people. Prevention methods - ranging from basic hand-washing protocols, to eating nutritious meals, getting enough sleep and drinking enough fluids - and vaccination are vital in mitigating the effects of the virus.
Representatives from the Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County could not be reached for comment.
Monroe Clinic officials report they've seen no increase in patients throughout this flu season, despite reports that this season has seen more than five times as many flu cases than last season.
Thomas Haupt, influenza surveillance coordinator for the state Department of Health Services in Madison, confirmed a report that the 2016-2017 flu season has already well surpassed the previous season by amount of influenza-associated hospitalizations: Last week saw the number of hospitalizations surpass 1,200, compared with the 235 that occurred by this time last year.
Confirmed influenza cases statewide are similarly high, with 936 confirmed cases this year, compared to 176 during the same period last year.
Haupt said preliminary numbers for this week may bring the number of confirmed cases to above 1,200.
Haupt said the prevalent virus this year - a strain of subtype H3N2, one of the more common influenza subtypes - is a more powerful strain than last year's, spreading more effectively.
However, Haupt said the flu season is nearing its peak and the number of cases will likely drop off in the near future.
The flu season is considered to begin in late September until early May, with the spread of the illness peaking in around February and March.
Haupt said it is not too late for people to obtain the flu vaccine - which he said was working at the expected level of efficacy - this year.
"You're vaccinating for yourself, of course, but you're also vaccinating for those around you," Haupt said.
Monroe Clinic officials said the flu virus commonly affects the elderly more severely than younger people. Prevention methods - ranging from basic hand-washing protocols, to eating nutritious meals, getting enough sleep and drinking enough fluids - and vaccination are vital in mitigating the effects of the virus.
Representatives from the Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County could not be reached for comment.