Surging Flu Cases Hit Ramsey County

Ramsey County, including Roseville, is seeing a surge of influenza cases this winter, according to an official with the St. Paul/Ramsey County Health Department.

"We are monitoring the situation in Ramsey County," said spokesman Chris Burns. "We are the same as the rest of the state and the Twin Cities. There is widespread influenza going on in the county."

All but a handful of U.S. states have reported a dramatic increase in flu-related illnesses. As of the latest report from the Minnesota Department of Health, more than 500 people have been hospitalized due to the flu since the season began in October. At least five have died, including two otherwise healthy teens: Max Schwolert, 17, and Carly Christenson, a 14-year-old St. Louis Park girl who died on Tuesday.

Burns said the current outbreak of influenza seems severe, in part, because flu activity has been fairly mild compared with recent years. 

At Entira Family Clinics' Como and Roseville office, Dr. Jane Kilian said the level of flu cases "is worse than what we have seen in recent years." She said several patients a day are testing positive for the influenza virus.

"We are also seeing a lot of sick people who have not tested positive but have similar (flu) symptoms," she said.

In general, health officials are urging people to get the flu vaccine, if they have not already gotten the shot.

To find a health clinic or pharmacy offering flu vaccines, visit the Minnesota Department of Health website www.mdhflu.com.

Burns said the health department is especially recommending flu vaccines for children under age 5, adults 65 and older and people with asthma, diabetes, heart disorders or other health conditions that could compromise their body's immune system.

Holiday travel and more time spent indoors due to soggy weather will contribute to the spread of the flu virus, so now is the time to get vaccinated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following information:

• Who should get vaccinated
• When to get vaccinated
• Selecting a flu vaccine
• Symptoms, complications and severity
• Treatment if you get the flu

How flu spreads

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