State health officials say the worst of the influenza outbreaks in South Dakota is yet to come. They say this year’s prominent strain of flu virus is one of the most dangerous versions, and it's already caused one death in the state.
State epidemiologist Lon Kightlinger says South Dakota is in the heart of flu season. Kightlinger says the state has seen 88 cases of influenza this season. That’s doubled since the last week of December.
Kightlinger says the increase is alarming, and South Dakota is now at regional activity level – the second highest rating of influenza activity.
“I don’t want to sugar coat things. We do have a virus circulating and this year so far it’s been the AH-3 influenza virus and that’s the bad one. That’s the one that is the most viral. That’s the one that causes the most death, so I hope it doesn’t happen but with this virus circulating it could be a bad year for us,” says Kightlinger.
Kightlinger says the AH-3 virus is affecting the entire northern hemisphere. He says the state’s vaccine supplies are adequate and that anyone over six months should get the flu shot.
Kightlinger recommends trying to prevent the flu by washing your hands frequently, avoiding contact with people, and staying home when you’re sick.