Local flu cases on the rise
Cases of influenza have doubled in the past week.
Twenty-four positive cases were confirmed last week at University Health Services. This week, 11 more cases were verified, said Angela Smith, manager of medical records and billing.
Flu season is at its peak now, and officials say they began to see case about three weeks ago.
"Stay out of crowds," said Penalope Cook, associate director for medical services. "That is where you are most likely to pick this up."
Central Michigan Urgent Care, 520 N. Mission St., has seen a four percent increase in patient visits because of the flu, said Dr. Jeffrey Khabir.
Khabir said flu cases appeared about seven to 10 days ago and has greatly increased in the past week.
Of the cases, more are type B, and less type A, Cook said. Type B is more mild and not treatable with medication. Type A means a really high fever, headache, body ache and a bad cough.
People with type B should take cough medicine and stay in bed for a couple days, Cook said.
Central Michigan Community Hospital, 1221 South Drive, has seen flu cases triple in the past week and a half, said Darcie Suderman, community relations specialist.
"It's very contagious," she said. "People need to make sure to wash their hands."
After touching door knobs, toilets or table-tops, students should wash their hands because bacteria live on surfaces for a while, Cook said.
Also, wash off equipment at the Student Activity Center before and after use.
Flu shots are almost irrelevant at this point, Khabir said. He does not recommend students get them since the virus has been detected in Isabella County.
However, there could be a second flu cycle after spring break, Cook said.
Right now, students can get a flu shot for $25 at Health Services.
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