Flu activity surging in US and Wisconsin

Flu activity has surged dramatically across Wisconsin and the United States, with health officials reporting a sharp increase in cases and urging residents to get vaccinated as the season intensifies. According to UW Health, the percentage of patients testing positive for influenza has nearly tripled in just one week, jumping from 5% during the week of December 8 to 14% last week. The rapid increase mirrors a nationwide trend that has health experts concerned about the severity of this flu season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there have been 4.6 million flu cases across the United States since the season began, resulting in 1,900 deaths. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services confirming two pediatric deaths from influenza last week. The sharp week-over-week increase in Wisconsin cases reflects broader national trends that suggest this flu season could be more severe than recent years.