“Flu is hitting Marion County hard right now and much earlier than it has in recent years,” said MCHD Director Dr. Virginia Caine.
According to the health department, the rate of influenza-like illness reported in patients in Marion County during the week of Nov. 20-26 was the highest it's been in 10 years. The highest rate was among the 5-17 age group.
“Along with recommending the flu vaccine and encouraging frequent handwashing, these restrictions are part of a multi-faceted effort to help protect the most vulnerable patients in our community from the flu virus, which can cause significant illness and, in certain cases, lead to extended hospitalization or death.”
The flu isn't the only respiratory virus circulating in high numbers, the health department says COVID-19 and RSV are also causing hospitalizations among all age groups.
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