NEW ULM — With flu outbreaks on the rise across Minnesota, Brown County Public Health Director Jaimee Brand advises the public to get a flu vaccine before the next holiday period.

“Based on recent data, I think it would be fair to assume we will continue to see influenza increase over the next few weeks. There has been a fairly significant increase in influenza-like illness (ILI) this week,” said Brand. “It’s not uncommon to see a spike of respiratory illnesses a week or two after a holiday. It’s not too late to receive a flu vaccine. Now would be a great time to get vaccinated before spending time with loved ones over the (Christmas and New Years) holidays.”

She said due to significant staff cuts at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), local public health agency data has been limited at best.

According to updated statewide influenza data, there were 266 flu hospitalizations, six school outbreaks, two long-term care outbreaks but no pediatric influenza-associated deaths. Influenza A is the most common flu strain. There were 10.6 percent of molecular lab tests that were positive.

The figures compare to 7.2 percent positive lab tests, 143 hospitalizations, four school outbreaks and one long-term care outbreak the prior week.

Data from the MDH shows outpatient health care visits due to ILI have climbed weekly since late October and risen sharply since mid November in the Twin Cities metro area and rural Minnesota.

“Getting the flu feels miserable and can sometimes make you dangerously sick,” reads the MDH summary of influenza basics. “Thousands of Minnesotans end up in the hospital each season due to the flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself. Cover your cough and sneezes, wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer, stay home when sick, clean frequently touched surfaces, and wear a mask to prevent spread of the flu.”

The MDH advises everyone 6 months old and older to get a yearly flu shot. People most at risk for flu complications are those age 65 and old, children under 5 years, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease, American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Influenza symptoms include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness. confusion, severe or persistent vomiting or when flu-like symptoms return with worse fever and cough.

The Uninsured and Under-insured Adult Vaccine (UUAV) program offers free and low-cost vaccines for eligible adults age 19 and older who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover vaccines. Adults on Minnesota Health Care plans such as Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare are also not eligible for the UUAV program.

Clinics participating in the UUAV program can be found at https://vaxmap.web.health.state.mn.us. Patients should call clinics for more information including visit cost and to schedule an appointment.

The Minnesota Vaccines for Children (MnVFC) program provides low-cost vaccines for eligible children age 18 and younger. Find participating clinics at http://www.health.state.mn.us/people/immunize/basics/howpay.html.

The latest MDH data showed one individual hospitalized for COVID-19 in Brown and Lyon Counties. No other area counties had COVID hospitalizations.

Data are for cases tested and returned positive. At-home test results are not reported to the MDH and are not part of their data.

Based on data from Oct. 1 through Dec. 6, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates there have been 2.9 million to 5.3 million flu illnesses in the U.S., 1.4-2.4 million medical visits for flu, 30,000-61,000 flu hospitalizations and 1,200-6,100 flu deaths. For more information, visit cdc.gov.