A Minnesota child has died from complications of the flu, state officials reported Thursday as this season's outbreak continues to spread.
Outpatient clinics reported that nearly 5 percent of all patients had influenza-like symptoms, a high for the flu season that is now more than four months old.
There were also 22 flu outbreaks in nursing facilities, and 37 outbreaks were reported in Minnesota schools over the past two weeks, according to data released by the Minnesota Department of Health.
"We've been seeing activity pick up for the past few weeks, so we are heading into peak activity right now," said Karen Martin, an epidemiologist with the department. "Typically, we see peak season happen between December and March."
Last year, the number of hospitalizations from the flu peaked in late March. Current trend lines put the number of hospitalizations ahead of last year's pace, with 715 requiring hospital care so far this season compared to 1,500 cases in all of last season.
Health officials urge that people get the flu shot if they haven't already received one. People with flu-like symptoms should also seek medical attention.
That's especially true for those with chronic health issues, such as a lung or heart condition, or those with compromised immune systems, said Dr. Larry Richmond, a physician with Park Nicollet Clinic in Plymouth.
"There is usually a lot of muscle pain involved with influenza, and high fever is another clue," Richmond said. He also cautioned that breathing problems should be of concern.
