Flu season is upon us and it got a bright and early start. In Minnesota alone, between Christmas and Jan. 8, twenty-seven people had died from influenza. Since then, the number has climbed to at least sixty deaths so far, with an additional four hundred and seventy-six Minnesotans being hospitalized for the flu.

The areas most affected by this illness, in Minnesota, are the south-central counties around the cities of Mankato and New Ulm. These counties are experiencing a rate of nineteen influenza cases per one hundred thousand residents. Meanwhile, the Twin Cities area has a flu rate of twelve cases per one hundred thousand residents.

To help slow the spread of influenza, the South Central Healthcare Coalition (a group of fifteen area hospitals and clinics) now have tighter patient visiting rules. Hospital visits are limited to only immediate family, a maximum of two per patient. Nobody who is sick will be allowed to visit.

Doctors report that people who get the flu are contagious from about a day before symptoms appear for up to a week, or as long as the cough, fever, chills and ache symptoms last.

Despite some localized shortages, the influenza vaccine is still available and is highly recommended to everyone. SMSU students can receive their flu shots at the Health Center for $15.