COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – State health officials have issued a warning that the influenza season in Michigan appears to be arriving weeks earlier than usual, with a noticeable rise in cases prompting urgent calls for residents to get vaccinated.
The early onset, possibly driven by a new, severe flu variant, is raising concerns as holiday gatherings approach.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has noted an increase in individuals seeking medical care for flu-like illnesses. Historically, flu seasons often peak between December and February, but the current surge began earlier in the fall, with activity levels rapidly increasing.
The early trend is also evident locally. The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency says they are actively monitoring the situation.
In anticipation of rising cases, the agency continues to stress the importance of preventative measures.
The Community Health Agency emphasizes that the flu shot remains the best defense against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
MDHHS Chief Medical Executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian noted that the annual shot is crucial for boosting immunity through the winter months, even as new strains like the H3N2 subclade K emerge.
The push for vaccinations comes as Michigan’s current flu shot uptake remains low, at around 20.6% of residents as of late November. Health officials warn that the flu can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, especially in children, making vaccination a critical public health priority.
Residents in Branch County can find local clinic information and vaccination resources from the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency website https://www.bhsj.org/.
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