(KNSI) – Hospital beds in the state are filling with influenza cases at the fastest pace in years.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the infection rate has nearly doubled compared to this time in 2023. Over the past week, 30 people in Stearns County have been admitted for care, along with ten from Benton, 17 from Sherburne, seven from Morrison and 20 from Wright County.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says hospitalization rates are even topping the levels at some points of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the worst complications seen in patients include neurological complications and unexpected levels of pneumonia from a flesh-eating superbug bacteria called MRSA.
MDH says central Minnesotans are at ‘high risk’ for the seasonal flu virus, with between 15 and 25 people per 100,000 needing medical care. The statewide average is 18. Anything above eight per 100,000 people is considered high risk.
St. Cloud-based CentraCare reminds residents they’re most contagious three to five days after the first symptoms start and can take up to two weeks to treat. Officials say to avoid going to the hospital unless the illness lingers beyond two weeks, suddenly worsens, or the person struggles to breathe.
Health officials say to avoid contact with sick people, wash hands frequantly, use an air purifier to improve indoor air circulation and quality, and frequently disinfecting high-touch surfaces can all help curb the spread of germs.
For more information on this season’s respiratory illnesses, click here.
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