Flu season has arrived early in Wisconsin

GREEN BAY - The flu season in Wisconsin appears to be ahead of schedule this year.

In their most recent report, state health officials say they've already more than 100 cases.

That's 16 times as many as this time last year.

Flu season in Wisconsin can typically run from October to April. This year it may have arrived just in time for the Holidays.

“You start to feel run down, maybe get a runny nose, mild to low-grade fever, start to cough," said Karissa Singleton, St. Mary's/St. Vincent infection preventionist.

The State Department of Health Services has already confirmed 113 cases of influenza, compared to 7 at this time last year.

In Northeast Wisconsin, Bellin Health reported 13 cases this season. One person had to be hospitalized. Aurora BayCare has confirmed just one case this season.

While, just this week alone, Theda Clark has confirmed 16 cases, and St. Mary's/St. Vincent has verified four.

"Trips to the emergency room, trips to the regular family physician, and were tested positive and were treated in an outpatient setting," said Singleton.

To kick off national influenza vaccination week, nurses say now is the time to act.

"It takes about two weeks for your body to develop the antibodies to protect yourself against infection. So vaccination now will give you plenty of protection throughout the influenza season," said Chrystal Woller, Brown County Health Department nurse manager.

As of Monday, the Brown County Health Department has vaccinated 921 people this season.   

Health officials say clean hands are crucial.

"The CDC actually says the number one way to cleanse your hands is a waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer," said Singleton.

"Staying home when you're sick is also very important. Washing your hands, covering your cough to reduce the spread of influenza within our community," said Woller.