Map from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Don't Edit

Widespread flu affects most of U.S.

By Lauren Slagter | lslagter@mlive.com

This year's flu season is likely to last through March, according to the Washtenaw County Public Health Department.

As of the week that ended Jan. 20, most of the U.S. was experiencing "widespread" flu - with a Type A strain called H3N2 being the most prevalent, said Jenna Bacolor, the executive director of community programs for Ann Arbor Public Schools, who also has a master's in public health.

Bacolor gave an update on this year's flu season at the AAPS board of education meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 31, including tips for preventing the further spread of the flu this year.

Don't Edit

Graphic from the Washtenaw County Public Health Department

Don't Edit

Spike in confirmed influenza cases in Washtenaw County

Washtenaw County saw 576 lab-confirmed influenza in the week that ended Jan. 27, according to the Washtenaw County Public Health Department. At that point in the 2017-18 flu season, which started Oct. 1, 2017, Washtenaw County had a total of 1,846 lab-confirmed influenza cases.

The sharpest increase came in the two weeks leading up to Jan. 27.

The total number of influenza cases is higher than the number of lab-confirmed cases, Bacolor said, because many people will recover from the flu at home without seeing a doctor.

Local schools reported 13.8 cases of respiratory illness for every 1,000 students the week ending Jan. 20, according to the health department.

Ann Arbor Public Schools students missed about 900 more days of school due to illness this January compared to January 2017, Bacolor said. Those days off are related to any type of illness, not necessarily the flu. Bacolor also noted that Ann Arbor Schools enrolls more students this year than it did last year.

"But we think there is some impact," she said.

Don't Edit

Chart from the Washtenaw County Public Health Department

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Elderly most likely to be hospitalized for flu

Of the 181 hospitalizations due to the flu so far this season in Washtenaw County, the majority of people hospitalized have been age 65 and older.

The health department reports four adult Washtenaw County residents have died of the flu this season.

Four tips for preventing the spread of the flu are listed below.

Don't Edit

Sam Owens | MLive.com

Don't Edit

1. Get a flu shot

It's not too late for a flu shot, Bacolor said, adding that it usually takes about two weeks after the vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body.

"The best to prevent influenza and serious complications is to get the vaccine," Bacolor said. "It beats everything else you could do."

The health department has information online on where to get a flu vaccination, or you can call 734-544-6700 to schedule an appointment.

Don't Edit

From the Centers for Disease Control and Ann Arbor Public Schools

Don't Edit

2. Cover your cough

This may seem obvious, but covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze can stop the spread of germs. Avoid covering your mouth directly with your hands when you cough, because then the germs will spread to whatever you touch.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

3. Stay home until you are well

This is especially important for parents deciding how long to keep their children out of school as they recover from the flu.

Ideally, people should wait 24 hours after their fever breaks - without the use of fever-reducing medication - before returning to school or work, Bacolor said.

"I have a harsh message for people: Go home and stay home," she said. "Stay home is the most important part."

Don't Edit

J. Scott Park | Jackson Citizen Patriot

Don't Edit

4. Wash your hands

Frequently washing your hands is an effective way to prevent spreading germs if you have the flu and to prevent picking up germs if you don't.

When washing your hands, it's important to scrub for at least 20 seconds, to wash under the fingernails and to dry your hands with a paper towel or air dryer, according to information from the health department.

Ann Arbor Schools is planning to launch a hand-washing campaign and make an extra effort to frequently clean common spaces to help students and staff stay healthy through the rest of flu season, Bacolor said.

Don't Edit

More on the flu in Michigan

Flu and illnesses close Kalamazoo Public Schools until Feb. 5

'Widespread' flu hits Michigan, here's what you need to know