Flu 'Epidemic' Causing Record Number Of Hospitalizations, Even Some Deaths

LANSING (WWJ) -- The Centers for Disease Control is calling the current flu situation an epidemic.

Many adults and children across the state are suffering from the flu, with increased hospitalizations and even deaths. The flu has been blamed for one death in Oakland County and for four deaths in Washtenaw County.

Susan Cerniglia with the Washtenaw County Public Health Department said that there has been an abnormal amount flu cases this winter.

"We have really record numbers of hospitalizations so far this season -- we have 214 as of Jan. 2," Cerniglia said. "That's about double of what we would expect to see in a typical flu season."

The health department in Toledo, Ohio is also reporting that two people have died as a result of the flu, including a 89-year-old man.

To prevent the flu, Dr. Matthew Davis, CEO of the Michigan Department of Community Health, recommends everyone six months of age and older get vaccinated.

"We're not sure how long this is going to last," Davis said. "Over the past few seasons, although we've seen activity increase as early as December, the flu activity has continued at epidemic levels well into March or even April."

Davis urged that if you have flu-like symptoms, make sure to stay home from work to prevent spreading it.

In addition to getting a flu shot to prevent the flu, cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing and wash your hands often. If you feel flu symptoms there are medicines to help.

"The best time to contact your doctor is right as you're developing flu symptoms -- which are fever, body aches, sometimes chills, cough, runny nose -- because that's when the medicines for flu have the greatest effect," Davis said.