Flu activity across Mississippi is heading upward and faster than ever, according to state health officials.
The Mississippi State Department of Health released a study on Friday showing that Mississippi has one of the highest rates of flu-like illness in the U.S. Other states seeing similar numbers include Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and New Mexico.
As of Dec. 23, Mississippi and the southeast had the highest rate of flu-like illness reported in the nation. #Flu activity has rapidly increased in past weeks as it approaches its seasonal peak. Find protective measures and full flu info at https://t.co/vO1uGrIXFy. Stay healthy! pic.twitter.com/2U5EZQ1kYi
— MS Dept of Health (@msdh) December 29, 2023
As cases rise in large part due to the holidays, the seasonal peak is not far off. State health officer Dr. Dan Edney continues to urge residents to take necessary precautions to avoid the virus, including getting the flu shot.
“I just remind everybody that winter is [here], so the respiratory illness season is upon us,” Edney said. “Flu shots are available, and I encourage everyone to protect themselves this winter.”
Seasonal flu shots are available at county health departments across the state and local pharmacies. A flu shot provider near you can be found here.
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