Flu

 While northwest Minnesota has lagged behind the rest of nation in terms of this year’s influenza epidemic, that is not expected to last.

 

The flu is widespread in 47 states, up from 41 states a week ago, according to the Associated Press. The flu this year includes a strain that tends to make people sicker and health officials have forecasted a potentially bad flu season, though it may have already peaked in some parts of the nation. Of Minnesota’s eight regions, the northwest thus far has seen the fewest number of influenza hospitalizations and cases through Jan. 5, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

 
 
  Everyone shoud take commonsense steps, like washing hands and staying home if ill, to slow the spread of the virus. By just changing these behaviors the spread can be slowed down.  Also it is important to get that flu shot.  That will also protect those around you. 

  Minnesota has had 23 flu related deaths in the first week of 2013, bring the total of deaths to 27 for the flu season.

It is time to socially distance ourself from the possibility of coming in contact with infected people. 

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