Widespread Flu in Michigan

Michigan is among 43 states where the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says flu is widespread. The CDC says 21 people in the U.S. have died this flu season, including six children who died of the illness last week. While in Michigan, the state Department of Community Health reports, as of December 29th, more than 300 people have gone to emergency rooms and doctor’s offices with influenza-like illnesses. But the number is likely even higher, as many cases go unreported. The CDC says you can lower your risk by getting a flu shot. It says this year’s flu vaccine is not effective against the Type A, H3N2 strain, that is circulating, although it is effective against other strains. Other ways to prevent the spread of flu is regularly washing your hands and, if you have to cough, try to cough into the crook of your arm.