The 2017–18 flu season was one of the most severe in decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 80,000 Americans died of flu-related complications. Although the vast majority of deaths were in people over the age of 65, the flu killed more young children and teenagers than in any other year since CDC began using its current surveillance methods. More information from the CDC on influenza and the flu vaccines for this season can be found here.
The American Hospital Association (AHA) again this year organized the United Against the Flu Campaign, a collaborative effort by several national health care organizations to amplify the importance of getting vaccinated during flu season. The online hub, www.AHA.org/Flu provides information and resources on the flu vaccine and why it’s important for nearly every person to get vaccinated.
View the most recent South Dakota influenza activity.