Wisconsin Prepares for Potentially Severe Flu Season Amid Rising Respiratory Illnesses
As the holiday season approaches, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is on high alert for an expected rise in respiratory illnesses, including the flu. With cold weather, increased travel, and family gatherings on the horizon, there is a heightened risk of respiratory virus activity.
DHS has intensified its efforts by expanding wastewater testing and updating its respiratory virus data dashboards to keep residents informed and safe during the festive period and beyond.
“In public health, data is our alert system. Our data show that on average, cases of respiratory viruses increase late fall and early winter as the weather gets colder,” said DHS Respiratory Disease Epidemiologist Tom Haupt. He emphasized the importance of vaccination, noting that it is a quick process compared to the potential time lost due to illness.
The respiratory data collected provides insights into the prevalence of viruses such as the flu, COVID-19, and RSV across Wisconsin. This information is crucial for understanding current trends and preparing for future seasons.
The 2024-2025 season saw a significant 211% increase in flu-associated hospitalizations between December and January, underscoring the urgency of getting vaccinated before holiday gatherings. With colder temperatures expected to boost illness activity, residents are encouraged to get the recommended vaccines.
DHS data reveals that 23% of Wisconsinites have received a flu shot, while only 9% have been vaccinated against COVID-19 this season. Older adults and young children are particularly vulnerable, with 48% of adults aged 65 and older and 21% of young children having received a flu shot. However, flu vaccination rates in October decreased by 13% compared to the previous year.
Vaccination recommendations for Wisconsin residents include:
- Flu: For everyone aged 6 months and older.
- COVID-19: For everyone aged 6 months and older.
- RSV vaccine: For pregnant individuals, adults 75 years and older, and those aged 50-74 at increased risk; not required annually for older adults.
- RSV antibodies: For young children under 8 months, and those aged 8-19 months at increased risk.
Residents can schedule vaccinations through their healthcare providers, local health departments, pharmacies, or community clinics. Assistance is available for those without health insurance through the Vaccines for Children program and the Vaccines for Adults program.
“While most people associate respiratory illness with simply feeling under the weather for a day or two, these viruses can have serious consequences for people who are at higher risk, especially young children, older adults, and people who are pregnant or have chronic health conditions,” stated DHS Immunization Program Manager Dr. Stephanie Schauer. She noted that it takes about two weeks post-vaccination for immunity to develop.
To prevent virus spread, individuals feeling unwell should stay home from work, school, and social gatherings, resuming activities only after symptoms improve for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
Additional information on current respiratory virus data and vaccination statistics for Wisconsin can be found on the DHS website, including details on flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines.
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