Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Health
Michelle Wiley
St. Paul

MN health officials ‘cautiously optimistic’ we've seen the worst of flu

A nurse gives a flu vaccination shot into someone's arm.
There have been 130 “influenza-related deaths” in Minnesota so far this season, according to a report.
Mario Tama | Getty Images

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Minnesota health officials are not seeing signs of more flu cases at a time when we usually get sick.

The preliminary data from the weekly Influenza and Respiratory Illness Activity Report looking at Jan. 8-14 shows a decline in new hospitalizations for both influenza and the respiratory virus RSV. Outbreaks of respiratory disease in schools have also remained fairly flat for the past few weeks.

The data is particularly striking since a few weeks after holiday gatherings, health officials typically see influenza activity peak. 

“This would be about the time that people start to report being ill [after the holidays],” said Melissa McMahon, senior epidemiologist with MDH. “Since we're a few weeks out from that, and haven't seen activity pickup, I am cautiously optimistic that our early peak has been our peak, and will remain our peak for the season.”

So far in the 2022-2023 season, there have been 3,130 influenza hospitalizations, which represent the most severe cases of the illness. That’s more than three times last season’s total, but less than pre-pandemic numbers.

McMahon said they can’t pinpoint exactly why this is the case. One reason may be because people got the virus early, they developed immunity.

“Having influenza will provide some immunity against that particular strain of influenza that you had,” she said. “Some people who are immunocompromised may be able to be infected multiple times, because their immune system doesn't build immunity.”

The most common strain so far is influenza A. McMahon said the state may see a small bump in cases in the spring when influenza B is circulating more widely. She says, for this reason, preventative measures like covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when you’re sick.

McMahon recommends a late season shot whether you have had the flu or not this year. She said the vaccine protects against both influenza A and B strains.

There have been 130 “influenza-related deaths” in Minnesota so far this season, according to the report.