Wisconsin flu hospitalizations still rising as virus activity dips
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel••health
Key Points:
- More than 900 Wisconsin residents were hospitalized with the flu in the week ending Jan. 3, surpassing last winter’s peak numbers amid very high but decreasing statewide flu activity.
- The recent surge in flu hospitalizations, driven by a new influenza A variant H3N2 subclade K, has quadrupled since Dec. 20, with more children being hospitalized than in past years.
- Flu vaccination rates in Wisconsin remain low, with only about 30% of residents vaccinated this season, well below the 70% target for widespread protection, contributing to increased hospitalizations.
- Health experts recommend getting the flu vaccine even though it was formulated before the new variant emerged, as it still offers protection against other strains likely
