Hold onto your hats and brace yourselves because Maine’s flu season is hitting hard this year. 

We all can admit that this year we have been ravaged with the flu. It’s no joke.

It’s hit my house twice so far and it has not been fun.

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Exactly how bad is the flu this year? 

According to the CDC, the entire state of Maine is experiencing one of the highest flu infection rates in the United States. The stats are absolutely staggering, showing just how severely the flu is impacting all of us this year. 

As per the report, there were 152 flu related hospitalizations in Maine for the last week in February. The impact is widespread and alarming. 

Take a look at these numbers, as you can see, flu rates in Maine are extremely high.

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In addition to that, 8% of the doctor and ER visits during that same week, were related to flu symptoms. The numbers are so worrisome for the medical community who are really trying to manage the number of cases.  

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What does the near future hold for influenza?

If you've taken a peak at the stats above, it doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

Even though spring feels like it's just around the corner, temperatures are still dropping, and Maine is far from out of the woods with influenza.

According to NBC News, 

"While flu activity has slowed in recent weeks, experts warn that the season isn’t over yet. We may have months of disease and illness in front of us,” said Dr. Susan Donelan, an infectious disease doctor and medical director of health care epidemiology at Stony Brook Medicine in New York."

It’s always important to stay informed, take the necessary precautions, and treat the flu with the seriousness it deserves. 

Ever since COVID hit, we’ve all learned not to brush off a cough or runny nose anymore. 

The point? The flu is no joke. Especially for the elderly, children, people who are ill and have weak immune systems.

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Because of the spike in the flu, the CDC has been warning us about the important of getting vaccinated.

The flu is serious and taking preventative measures is always the best way to keep yourself and your babies safe and healthy.  

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