The warmer weather that has arrived after a brutal cold streak may cause you to think we are done with the flu season - but not so fast. But don't get complacent when it comes to seasonal health.
We are in right in the thick of the influenza season in Minnesota according to the Minnesota Department of Health's Karen Martin.
"I would say we're gonna have activity for at least a couple more months, but things look like they're starting to come down."
So she says don't let your guard down and it's not too late to get vaccinated.
"It's quite long," Martin explains. "It's quite long and I think some folks think that, 'oh, you know, it's February or it's even March 1st, so I should be good now.'"
The Minnesota Department of Health is also warning about a rare brain disease after reports that a toddler was diagnosed with influenza-associated acute encephalitis, which can cause the deterioration of the brain tissue. They say it's very rare but potentially deadly.
Meanwhile, the department of health says it's been one of the worst flu season in years, with the most flu hospitalizations in over a decade.
"Definitely been a trial for folks trying to get through the winter and through, you know, through this illness season," says Martin.
Just over 6,000 people in Minnesota have been hospitalized with the flu so far this season.
The CDC recommends a few basic actions to help prevent getting the flu, including:
- Avoid close contact with people that are sick.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Wash hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, easy ways to spread germs.