CDC Says Flu Rates Up Across Minnesota; Severe Illnesses Reported: Where to Get Flu Shots in Hopkins

Flu season is hitting Minnesota hard.

Flu activity in Minnesota is categorized as "intense," compared to a categorization of "moderate" at this time last flu season, according to Flu Trends. Activity has become so intense that 14 southern Minnesota hospitals have tightened visitor restrictions to protect patients and staff.

(Hopkins-specific data is not available on Flu Trends, but flu cases in the Twin Cities metro are in line with the state as a whole.)

The Minnesota Department of Public Health reports that for the 2012-13 season, 578 people have been hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza, as of Dec. 29. Four influenza-related deaths have been confirmed this season—including St. Louis Park teen Carly Christenson.

If you're considering getting a flu shot, here are some places in Hopkins that offer the vaccine:

• Hopkins Center Drug
• Walgreens

According to this week's CDC Flu activity report, influenza levels are on the increase not just in Minnesota but across the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 29 states are experiencing high flu-like activity. It offers the following information for dealing with the flu:

• Who should get vaccinated
• When to get vaccinated
• Selecting a flu vaccine
• Symptoms, complications and severity
• Treatment if you get the flu
• How flu spreads

Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our free daily newsletter | Check out Patch’s Pinterest boards