133 influenza cases have been identified in the 11 cities and towns of the Uncas Health District this flu season, according to December 23, 2023, data from the Connecticut Department of Health. This week’s reported numbers mark an increase of 19 cases from the reporting period ending December 16, 2023.
It is important to note that influenza cases are only reported if there is a hospitalization or if the positive test comes from a minor.
It is likely that we will experience an increase in reports over the next week or so that will likely be related to holiday gatherings and travel. If you have not yet received your flu vaccine, it’s not too late.
Flu vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk for complications from the flu, such as:
- People 65 years of age and older
- People with chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or asthma
- Pregnant women
- Children younger than five years old
- People who live with or care for people at high risk for complications from the flu
Flu vaccines are safe and effective. The CDC estimates that flu vaccination prevents millions of flu illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and thousands of deaths each year.