The CDC has recently indicated that Michigan is experiencing a significant increase in flu-like illnesses, with levels categorized as very high for the week ending January 25.
Michigan has been ranked among the top 15 states in the U.S. for flu activity, reaching the second highest level on the CDC’s influenza surveillance system.
More than 20 million Americans have contracted the flu since October, leading to hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and tens of thousands of deaths.
In response to the surge, pharmacists like Mike Koelzer in Grand Rapids are noting an uptick in patients seeking treatment. Koelzer recommends targeting specific symptoms for quicker relief rather than relying on general over-the-counter medications that might contain unnecessary ingredients like antihistamines or alcohol. For example, expectorants can help with productive coughs, while decongestants such as Sudafed can address nasal congestion.
Tylenol or Motrin can relieve pain from sore throats.
Koelzer also emphasizes the importance of staying up-to-date with flu vaccinations, especially for those in public-facing environments, to protect both personal health and the community at large. It’s not too late to get a flu shot, which remains the best preventive measure to reduce the spread of the virus.