Flu arrives early in Dane County schools, wastewater and ERs | The Locally Times
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Public Health Madison and Dane County reported October 16 that flu cases in area emergency departments are rising about a month earlier than usual.
Flu activity is increasing earlier than expected in Dane County, and Public Health Madison and Dane County is encouraging everyone ages 6 months and older to get their annual flu shot now. The agency's October 16 release says the latest Respiratory Illness Dashboard update shows flu cases in area emergency departments increasing earlier in the season across most age groups. The release states that getting vaccinated now gives the body time to build protection before exposure. UW-Madison researchers who lead the Lungfish program, a grant-funded school air monitoring program, are reporting flu in school air samples before October this year. Public Health offers free flu and COVID vaccines to eligible children and uninsured adults in Dane County, with appointments available at regular clinic locations and at upcoming school vaccination clinics at the Holtzman Center, 333 Holtzman Rd., Madison. Families whose insurance covers vaccinations should schedule appointments with their healthcare provider or a local pharmacy, the release says. The Respiratory Illness Dashboard, including key takeaways, is updated on Thursdays.