State health officials say the H1N1 flu strain that caused widespread school closures in 2009 is again the most prevalent strain of flu this season. The strain is more dangerous for children and young, healthy adults than is most strains of flu.
So far the number of hospitalizations related to the flu is pretty similar to what’s been seen in other years. Still, health officials say they are seeing some disturbing trends.
“What we’re most concerned about are the type of people who are becoming incredibly ill because of the flu,” says Angela Minicuci, of the state Department of Community Health. “We’re seeing young, middle-aged adults be hospitalized because of coming into contact with the flu, which isn’t something we would typically see.”
The flu has already led to one pediatric death in Michigan this season. Health officials are encouraging people to get vaccinated.