MADISON, Wis. (WRN) — Respiratory illnesses are increasing across Wisconsin, including influenza. Department of Health Services epidemiologist Tom Haupt encourages you to get a flu shot.
“We know we have a lot of vaccine available and we know it’s safe. We just want to encourage them to get it, that this is one of the ways we can control the influenza increases that are going around,” Haupt said.
“Also, we want people practicing good hygiene. Coughing into your sleeve, sneezing into a tissue and washing your hands. Above all, stay home if you don’t have to go out and you are sick.”
DHS is seeing an increase in hospitalizations for flu, as well as for Covid and RSV. Vaccinations are available for all three. Haupt says it’s unfortunate that the state’s current flu vaccination rate is only about 30%.