FLU SEASON

Wearing face masks around others still proves to be one of the most effective ways to avoid getting sick, say researchers at U-M.

From 12:30-1:30 p.m., Packard Health and the Washtenaw County Health Department will be at 1405 Ecorse Road to help community members stay up-to-date on their vaccines.

Washtenaw County Health Department officials are encouraging community members to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 booster vaccines and flu shots in order to protect their own health and others.

The U.S. flu season has arrived on schedule after taking a year off.

The flu outbreak at the University of Michigan now numbers 760 cases since Oct. 6. A CDC response team arrived last week and is still investigating the outbreak.

University of Michigan is partnering with the CDC to monitor flu cases on campus this season.

Federal health experts are visiting the University of Michigan to learn more about hundreds of flu cases diagnosed by the campus health service.

Michigan health officials are urging residents to get the flu vaccine for the upcoming season, setting a goal of vaccinating 4 million Michiganders.

Because of restrictions put in place to protect people from coronavirus, last year’s flu season never arrived. However, there is growing concern that this year’s flu season could be severe.

While coronavirus pandemic precautions helped keep the flu away last year, experts are worried that we won’t be so lucky this year.

Preparations are underway for the 2021 flu season.

After fears about a twindemic -- with the coronavirus pandemic taking place during flu season -- the flu has virtually disappeared altogether this year. In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic began during flu season, which created an added challenge for doctors and hospitals. But this year, he says that the University Hospital hasn’t seen any cases of the flu this entire winter season. Related: Nearly 2.4 million Michigan residents have received flu vaccine this season (Nov. 2020)AdThe Michigan Health Department labs have reported only five positive flu tests this entire flu season. More: Amid COVID-19 pandemic, flu has disappeared in the US

ANN ARBOR – The Eastern Michigan University Center for Health Disparities Innovations and Studies will be offering mobile flu vaccination clinics Nov. 14-Dec. 8 in partnership with the statewide Asian Community Toward Innovative Visionary Environment Coalition. “Flu vaccinations are more important than ever before this year to minimize the transmission of influenza during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Tsu-Yin Wu, CHDIS director, said in a statement. “We are increasing flu vaccine awareness, enhancing access to vaccinations, and improving connections between health care providers and underserved Asian and Arab American communities.”✉ Like what you’re reading? Clinics will be held in areas with limited acccess to flu vaccination and flu education resources for Arab and Asian Americans. Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the clinics are free to the community.

YPSILANTI, Mich. – The Washtenaw County Health Department will be offering no-cost flu vaccines at two upcoming events in Whitmore Lake and Ypsilanti. According to the Health Department, everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine, especially this year with the COVID-19 pandemic. Getting a flu vaccine can also reduce the risk of becoming infected with both COVID-19 and the flu at the same time. The Health Department aims to prioritize those community members without insurance with the free vaccine program. Here’s some more information from the Washtenaw County Health Department about the flu:Why Get Vaccinated?

LANSING, Mich. Michigan officials are urging residents to receive a flu vaccination this fall as health care systems continue to grapple with the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Its more important than ever for Michiganders everywhere to get your flu vaccine. The nation also recorded 18 to 26 million medical visits due to the flu and nearly half a million flu hospitalizations, officials said. According to officials, 187 U.S. children died from the flu, including six children in Michigan, during the 2019-2020 flu season. As of Monday, Aug. 24, the state of Michigan is reporting a total of 97,660 COVID-19 cases and 6,397 deaths.

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Central Michigan University announced Monday that the school will start and end its fall semester early because of the coronavirus (COVID). New CMU fall semester start date: Aug. 17, 2020New CMU fall semester end date: Nov. 25, 2020CMU President Bob Davies said the semester will now begin Aug. 17, two weeks earlier than previously scheduled. Eight-week courses for the Fall I session will begin Aug. 31 and end Oct. 23. “Central Michigan University will continue to adhere to this guidance closely. We are thrilled to have our students returning to Mount Pleasant for the fall semester, and we will ensure we do it as safely as possible."

Health experts say this flu season is shaping up to potentially be one of the worst in decades. This flu season alreay has a record pediatric deaths -- 27 children in the United States have died from the flu through Dec. 28. According to the CDC, a total of at least 2,900 people in the United States are estimated to have died from the flu. Experts say this season is on track to be as severe as the 2017-18 season, the deadliest in 40 years. Flu symptoms (from the CDC)Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.