Flu Levels On Rise in Michigan and Kent County

The latest report from the Michigan Department of Community Health shows a big spike in reports of flu-like symptoms across Michigan.

Even with the big spike, flu levels still remain low to average when compared to other years at the same time.

The spike brings levels of reports of flu-like symptoms to the highest statewide level Michigan has seen since spring.

When comparing Michigan's current level to other recent years at the same time of the year, Michigan's current levels are:

• About equal to 2012-13. 2012-13 levels continued to rise through December and remained at peak levels through January.
• Higher than 2011-12. 2011-12 peaked in March and was a mild flu season.
• Below 2013-14, a moderately severe season which peaked around the end of the year.
• Below 2009-10, a pandemic year which peaked in early November and was down to low levels by February.

The spike in reports of flu-like symptoms were seen in all four regions of the state reported on by the MDCH.

This flu season there has been a total of 39 hospitalizations due to the flu, 17 of those coming in the last week.

Kent County is reporting a high rate of reports of the flu with more than 10 percent of visitors reporting flu-like symptoms, WZZM-TV 13 reported

It's difficult to make any predictions about flu season because no one knows what is coming, but all signs indicate that the flu is spreading quickly right now. So, be prepared.