INFLUENZA

AAPS is recommending all students, teachers and staff wear face masks for two weeks following winter break.

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

Though influenza activity is high, or very high, in most parts of the country, activity remains low in Michigan, according to data from the CDC.

The Washtenaw County Health Department has introduced a new data page that displays the weekly rates of COVID-19, RSV and influenza hospitalizations rates among county residents.

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.

A Michigan resident contracted swine flu after coming into contact with swine during a county fair on the state’s west side, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Bird flu has been detected in a commercial poultry facility in Muskegon County.

Avian influenza – commonly known as “bird flu”- has experts concerned. But should individuals be worried? Can humans get the bird flu? Such infections are “rare,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed the first influenza-related child death in Michigan for the 2021-2022 flu season.

The infection dubbed “flurona” has captured the world’s attention, but many people aren’t exactly sure what it is or if it has anything to do with the “twindemic” that experts have warned about.

Cases of influenza have increased on campus while COVID was on the decline over the past week, U-M officials said.

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.

As COVID cases increase across the state, U-M officials say cases on campus have "stabilized."

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

Student COVID cases are on the rise at U-M.

This week, Dr. McGeorge is addressing concerns about getting vaccinated for COVID-19 and receiving a flu shot at the same time.

The Macomb County Health Department is opening three flu immunization clinics with indoor locations in Clinton Township and Warren, and a drive-thru location in Sterling Heights.

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

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

It’s true that many of the hallmark symptoms are the same as the flu, fever, cough, body aches, but after that -- the comparisons break down. Without precautions one person with COVID-19 will infect 2 to 3 other people. Beyond the similarities in initial symptoms of fever, cough and body aches COVID-19 has demonstrated an ability the flu does not have: Multiple organ involvement. Finally, the simplest difference between flu and COVID-19 is that we have a vaccine and well established treatments for the flu. The face fatality rate for COVID-19 in people age 70 to 79 in Michigan is 18 percent.

Every year, people ask me well into December or January if it’s too late to get a flu shot. Flu shots are readily available at retail pharmacies, doctor’s offices and local health departments. Pediatrician’s offices have flu shots for children, and they made it easier for pharmacists to vaccinate children over age 3. All have been updated to better match the viruses expected to be circulating this flu season. There also are flu shots recommended for those 6 months and older.

🦠 Coronavirus conspiracies 🦠We’re starting with the novel coronavirus -- or -- COVID-19. According to Scientific American, counting flu deaths the way we count COVID-19 deaths, over the last six years, flu deaths have ranged from about 3,500 to 15,000. Claim: COVID-19 is caused by 5GThis is one of the more out-there theories about COVID-19, but it’s still very popular. Social media origins : If you see something floating around social media, like a meme or a story, try to find the original source and check it yourself. The Trust Index team fact checks questionable information circulating on social media and in our communities.

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.

1918 influenza headlines are eerily familiar in 2020Published: July 22, 2020, 4:06 pmWith daily case counts, quarantines and mask orders, headlines from the 1918 influenza pandemic are eerily familiar in the year 2020.

With daily case counts, quarantines and mask orders, headlines from the 1918 influenza pandemic are eerily familiar in the year 2020. Watch the video above to get a sense of the similarities between the events that are 100 years apart. More: Coronavirus news

DETROIT – Newly released data from the Center for Disease Control shows an increase in total deaths this year in states hard hit by COVID-19, including Michigan. Data shows in Michigan, the partial death count is 121 percent of the count in a normal year, the equivalent of nearly 2,000 more deaths. (Find the latest Michigan COVID-19 data here)The New York Times found in New Jersey, deaths have been 172 percent of the normal — more than 5,000 additional deaths, compared with an average count from the past five years. The CDC data is partial and state’s are reporting COVID-19 deaths much quicker than at the federal level. Michigan, like many other states, is reviewing death certificates and matching test results, which has resulted in a retroactive increase in COVID-19 deaths.

LANSING, Mich. – Public health officials confirmed Sunday that an Ingham County child died from influenza (flu) in January. However, the Ingham County Health Department says the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) mitigation measures have helped decrease “influenza activity”. Officials hope the steps taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are also followed to prevent the spread of the flu. How easily the virus spreadsHow easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily.

Influenza is What’s Going Around in Metro DetroitPublished: February 7, 2020, 6:28 pmMetro Detroit doctors said we are still in the grips of the flu, but that’s not the only illness to be concerned about.

ROYAL OAK, Mich. – All Beaumont Health hospitals are experiencing high volumes of patients with respiratory viral illnesses, predominantly influenza, Beaumont Health reports. Related:As a result, visitation restrictions are now in place at Beaumont’s eight hospitals:DearbornFarmington HillsGrosse PointeRoyal OakTaylorTrentonTroyWayneFor the safety of our patients and staff: Visitation by children younger than 13 years of age is limited to extraordinary circumstances, such as severe illness of a parent or sibling, or end-of-life situations. In addition, Beaumont’s Infection Prevention and Epidemiology team strongly urges getting a flu shot. Friends and family of patients should avoid visiting our hospital campuses if they have cold or flu symptoms, such as: