Flu Cases Decrease This Year

Coming up./// flu season is here and minnesota health officials say there are less cases this year compared to previous years.

Kimt news 3's samantha soto spoke with the public health director of freeborn county about what's playing into the decrease in flu cases.

Samantha?

Katie ?

"*?

"* although flu sea can be earlier or later depending on the year ?

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"* health officials tell me the typical peak season is janurary to february.

They also say?

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"* the covid?

"* pandemic may be playing a huge role in the drastic decrease we have seen so far.

According to the minnesota department of health there were over 4 thousand flu hospitalization s in 20?

"*19.

This year the department reports just 8 hospitalization s.

Hand?

"*washing, staying home , and wearing masks ?

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"* are things we have been practicing this year ?

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"* and can impa the decrease in any disease.

Health officials say more people who have never gotten the flu vaccine before are taking advantage of being immunized now.

One explanation for the low numbers this year could be people are not being diagnosed?

"*?

"* because they unsafe.

"it's possible that some people are not accessing care because of the situation we are going thru with covid."

Health officials say a flu vaccine can decrease your risk of contracting the flu and covid?

"*19 ?

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"* they're u everyone to get vaccinated.

You can get a flu shot right through those doors behind me.

All hyvee locations in rochester offer the flu shot.

While it is important to seek care for any medical concern, care facilities are taking all precautions to provide a safe place.

Many health care professionals are also willing to provide medical attention virtually