Good Question: Are We At The Peak Of Flu Season?
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - State health officials say they can't remember the last time Minnesota has had this much widespread flu this early.
Last week, some schools closed and hospitals are doing their best to keep up with all the sick patients.
So, is Minnesota at the peak of the influenza virus?
"We can never say whether or not the peak has occurred until after it happens," said Kris Ehresmann, the director of infectious diseases at the Minnesota Department of Health. "But I can tell you we have a lot influenza activity occurring in Minnesota."
Last week, 203 Minnesota schools reported flu outbreaks. During a normal flu season, that number is closer to 20, according to health department data.
Usually, the influenza peak happens in late January or February.
Ehresmann said there are two possible reasons the virus is so widespread so early.
First, this season's predominant strain, H3N2, has occurred early in past years.
Second, there's a mismatch between the virus that's circulating and the vaccine--meaning fewer people have immunity against the flu.
"The influenza virus itself is very wily," said Ehresmann. "It changes; certainly, we never know quite what to expect."
Whether Minnesota will see fewer flu cases in January and February still remains to be seen.
Ehresmann said a different strain can predominate later in the season and cause another peak, but it's generally not as severe or intense as the first wave.