The flu has been off to a slow start in southeastern Wisconsin according to data from health departments across the region, but health leaders say we are not out of the woods yet.
According to the Milwaukee Health Department, 56 people in Milwaukee County and 36 people in the city have been hospitalized for the flu this season. At this time last year they recorded 500 people in the county and 327 in the city were hospitalized for the flu.
“It’s coming. You know it comes from west to east so we’re making sure that we are providing opportunities for vaccination,” Jeannette Kowalik, Milwaukee Health Commissioner.
“Obviously it hasn’t been as cold as it can be in Milwaukee and Wisconsin so definitely I believe that plays a part in incidents of flu,” said Kowali.
Health departments in Racine, Waukesha, and Sheboygan counties have seen the same trend.
As we brace for higher flu levels health leaders advise it is not too late to get your flu shot and to practice good hygiene.
Flu shots and a lot of hand washing are at the top of mind for Deshea Agee and his family.
“I have a little people. I have a three year old, a four-year-old and an 11-year-old so I’m really concerned because 2 are in school and 1 is in daycare so that will impact if I'm able to go to work or my wife being able to go to work,” said parent Agee.
