Benzie and Leelanau County residents are seeing rising transmission of influenza (Flu). According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), emergency department visits for respiratory symptoms, particularly flu-like illnesses, have increased in recent weeks and are among the highest levels seen so far this season in the state and locally.
Flu often starts rising in December and peaks in March and we are currently seeing this trend in northern Michigan, as well as elsewhere in the state. Respiratory viruses spread easily, especially in fall and winter, and can cause symptoms ranging from mild coughs and runny noses to severe illness requiring medical care. Flu seasons in recent years have led to thousands of hospitalizations statewide, and a large proportion of emergency department visits have been linked to respiratory illnesses including flu.
“Our community is seeing more people come in sick with coughs, fever and breathing trouble,” said Dr. Meyerson, medical director of the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department. “The good news is that vaccines can help prevent severe illness and it isn’t too late to get a flu vaccine. Flu vaccines, along with other respiratory vaccines, protect you, your family, and our entire community.”
