The Winnebago County Health Department reported an increase in flu cases in the past week. It expects further increases in the coming weeks.
The department tracks flu-like illness using emergency room data from two health systems and three local sentinel sites. Flu poses the most serious risk to children under 5 years, people 65 and older, pregnant women, and those with certain long-term medical conditions.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent getting influenza.