The flu is now officially widespread in Minnesota.
The state's weekly influenza update, issued Thursday, showed a spike in specimens testing positive for flu and flulike illnesses at hospitals and clinics. After a quiet start to this year's season, the virus is now prevalent across most of the state.
Flu earns the "widespread" designation when half or more of the state's reporting districts report outbreaks. Flu becomes widespread almost every season.
Despite the jump in cases, which have doubled since last week, health officials say this year's season is not unusual compared with previous years when the virus peaked in late winter.
"We are starting to see peak activity," said Karen Martin, an epidemiologist at the Minnesota Department of Health, adding that this year's flu season has still been mild compared with previous years. The number of cases reported in schools and nursing homes remains low, Martin said.
Youssef Rddad
