MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – At this point a year ago, Wisconsin had recorded over 9,250 flu cases. This year, they’ve seen just 38 total cases across the state.
“I think all of these things that we’ve been putting in a place of late really contribute to the reduction in the influenza circulation that we’ve seen,” said Division of Public Health Immunization Program Manager Dr. Stephanie Schauer. “It’s the physical distancing, it’s the masking, better hand washing. And many children are not in schools. Often that is a source of infection from school-aged children back into the families and into the community. It’s not the only one, but one that’s important.”
And while the numbers being down is good for people staying healthy, Schauer says it has a downside as well.
“It does present some challenges with respect to strain selection. They need to determine what’s been circulating to choose which viruses to be included in next year’s vaccine,” Schauer explained.
Meanwhile, Schauer encourages people to remain vigilant and get their flu shots.
“It is still important for folks to not let down their vigilance and make sure that they are protected against flu. It’s not too late to go ahead and get a flu vaccine this year,” Schauer said.
She also encourages pneumococcal vaccines, especially for the 65+ crowd, to help prevent secondary infections that may result from an initial respiratory illness.
