ESCANABA — The Coronavirus is in the forefront of many Americans’ minds, but influenza A and B activity remains high across the nation — and locally. According to Public Health, Delta and Menominee Counties (PHDM), flu activity in Michigan is widespread.

“In the U.P. we saw increases in flu activity in late January, early February, and there was mainly influenza B circulating at that point. But we’re still seeing activity and it’s unknown whether we’ve peaked for this season,” said PHDM Immunization and Communicable Disease Coordinator Jenny Miller.

OSF St. Francis Hospital visitor restrictions are still in effect from Jan. 17. OSF reported seeing more influenza B cases than influenza A, but are seeing frequent positive test results for both.

OSF St. Francis Hospital and Healthcare Community Relations Specialist Lindsey Stearns encourages patients who are experiencing symptoms of the flu to wear a mask when in the hospital or medical group to limit the spread of infection from patients to others. Patients are strongly encouraged to use the infection prevention items when visiting during this time of increased respiratory illness and influenza activity.

“We have masks and sanitizers available and encourage patients to ask an employee for them if they do not see them,” said Stearns.

Both Miller and Stearns agree a yearly flu vaccination is the first and most important step in protecting yourself against the flu and its potentially serious complications.

“A flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctor visits, and missed work or school due to the flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations,” said Miller.

Flu vaccinations are shown to significantly reduce a child’s, or elderly person’s, risk and the illness, if attracted, may be milder.

“There are still doses of flu vaccine available at local physician offices, pharmacies, and the health department,” said Miller. “It’s not too late to vaccinate.”

Other precautions to take include avoiding close contact with people who are sick, washing hands with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub if water and soap are not available, do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with your hands, and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated, including the cell phone.

If you get sick with the flu, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest staying home for 24 hours after a fever is gone, except to get medical care.

“When you are sick, it is important to take it easy,” said Miller. “Stay home from work or school and put your daily routines on hold. Be sure to get extra sleep, skimping on sleep makes your immune system weak. Also be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat a balanced diet.”

The CDC recommends prompt antivirus treatment of people who are severely ill and people who are at high risk of serious flu complications who develop flu symptoms.

“Studies show that flu anti-viral drugs work best for treatment when they are started within 48 hours of getting sick,” said Miller.

Flu reports from schools across the area are sporadic. Mid Peninsula has reported averaging less than 5 percent of the student body out because of illness over the month of February.

“We are making daily announcements with health tips for washing hands, proper ways to cough-sneeze into their sleeves, and healthy food choices at lunch and breakfast to help fend off illnesses,” said Mid Peninsula Superintendent Eric VanDamme.

Bark River-Harris Superintendent Jason Lockwood said the flu season has hit his school a couple times so far.

“It seemed to hit our youngest students first and then a few weeks later our older students were impacted. Additionally, we have had our share of faculty and staff affected as well,” said Lockwood.

Escanaba School Nurse Kelly Westerberg reported the number of doctor confirmed flu cases have increased.

“As of this week we have had confirmed influenza cases increase between students and staff to the highest it has been all year. This week is really hitting the schools hard,” said Westerberg.

Throughout the month of February, 10 to 15 students were absent each week in Escanaba due to confirmed flu cases.

“We have had a high number of students out with reported flu like symptoms, especially in early-mid February,” said Westerberg.

Students are advised to be more vigilant in keeping with a normal routine of hand washing this time of year, and reminded to wipe down keyboards, desks, and commonly used school surfaces with disposable cleaning wipes.

“If a student is not feeling well, or has a fever, they should be staying home from school,” said Westerberg. “Students should not return unless they have the okay from their doctor, or it has been 24 hours since their last symptom or fever reducing medication.”