State health officials are urging residents to get flu shots as flu activity increases. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says vaccination is the best way to prevent severe illness, hospital stays, and deaths. Influenza cases are rising nationwide. Officials say flu season is starting earlier than usual, and only about 18% of Michigan residents have received the flu vaccine so far. Last flu season, Michigan saw more than 33,000 hospitalizations related to flu. Fourteen children in Michigan died from flu last season—the highest number since tracking began in 2004. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, and stay home when you’re sick. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDFLURSV.
