Northeast Wisconsin seeing an increase in flu cases

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) – Flu cases continue to climb, sending more patients to doctors’ offices and hospitals.

Medical experts say knowing the warning signs and when to seek care can make a big difference.

Taking a look at the Respiratory Illness Dashboard on the Wisconsin Department of Health and Human Services’ website, the numbers across the state show very high flu activity based on emergency room visits.

However, that number is decreasing.

Looking specifically at the northeast Wisconsin region, we’re also seeing very high flu activity, but those numbers are going up.

Doctors say it’s still not too late to protect yourself and others.

While the holiday season is behind us, doctors say they continue to see the side effects of those large gatherings, with an increase in emergency room visits for cases of the flu, and one strain more than others.

“Influenza A has been the more aggressive and more prominent of the strains of Influenza, and that’s really geographically the same,” says Dr. Matthew Freeman, the chief medical officer at Green Bay ER & Hospital.

Dr. Freeman, along with other medical providers at Green Bay ER & Hospital, says they are seeing more cases in elders and children as they return to daycares and schools. “You’re having an exposure on a daily basis to people who are not always cognizant about washing their hands or covering their mouth and there’s such an easy spread of this particular disease during the winter that we’re all at risk,” says Dr. Freeman.

While flu symptoms can mirror those of a cold or COVID, the Influenza A strain has more severe side effects like vomiting, body aches, and a fever.

Dr. Freeman says, when in doubt:

“Seek help, seek out a professional, whether it’s calling our hospital, having a conversation with a nurse or a doctor, or just getting up so they can see you in person, take your vital signs, and assess you fully to make sure something more sinister isn’t going on with your body,” says Dr. Freeman.

Doctors say it’s not too late to get the flu shot and recommend washing your hands often, wearing a mask, and staying home if you feel sick to limit the spread of the illness.

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