Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Release Date: February 24, 2011            End Date: March 3, 2011

Contact Person: Fatema Mamou, Epidemiologist

Phone: 810-768-7971

RE: Genesee County is Impacted by Flu

Flu is spreading quickly in Genesee County. The number of young children presenting to emergency departments and hospitalized with influenza symptoms continues to rise along with cases of flu-like illnesses among schools and childcare centers. This season there have been two deaths in Genesee County with confirmed influenza, one was an infant. Last week the state of Michigan upgraded flu activity from “regional” to “widespread” due to flu increases statewide.

It is not too late to get vaccinated against flu. Flu vaccine is widely available in Genesee County. Vaccination is the best way to prevent getting the flu. The CDC now recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated against the flu each year. Vaccination is especially important for those who are at high risk for serious flu complications, including young children, pregnant women, people 65 and older, and people of any age with certain chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease).

You can also protect yourself and others from the flu by washing your hands often with soap and water and covering your coughs and sneezes. Most importantly, those who are sick should stay at home as much as possible except to seek medical care.

Please visit the GCHD web site at www.gchd.us for more flu resources and information.

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