http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/virus/64248497.html?elr=KArks:DCiUBcy7hUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU
Flu spread significantly in Minnesota last week
The number of schools reporting outbreaks jumped from 125 to 215 across the state, and the number of people who went to the doctor because of flu-like symptoms more than doubled from 5 percent of all patients to 11.4 percent, the Minnesota Department of Health reported Wedensday.
By JOSEPHINE MARCOTTY, Star Tribune
Last update: October 14, 2009 - 3:30 PM
The spread of pandemic flu accelerated significantly in Minnesota last week.
The number of schools reporting outbreaks jumped from 125 to 215 across the state, and the number of people who went to the doctor because of flu-like symptoms more than doubled from 5 percent of all patients to 11.4 percent, the Minnesota Department of Health reported Wedensday.
There were another 66 confirmed H1N1 hospitalizations, bringing the total since Sept. 1 to 163. Four people have died in that same time period.
The weekly report provides state-wide data through Oct. 10. The health department asks schools to report when more than 5 percent of their students are absent. Patient data is provided by a group of about 25 doctor clinics around the state.
Clinics, hospitals and state health officials are still awaiting the first shipment of H1N1 vaccine for the general public. The first 30,000 doses will be administered to children with severe underlying health conditions through hospitals and clinics, officials said.
For the first time this fall, the department also reported confirmed cases of seasonal influenza as well as H1N1.
Flu spread significantly in Minnesota last week
The number of schools reporting outbreaks jumped from 125 to 215 across the state, and the number of people who went to the doctor because of flu-like symptoms more than doubled from 5 percent of all patients to 11.4 percent, the Minnesota Department of Health reported Wedensday.
By JOSEPHINE MARCOTTY, Star Tribune
Last update: October 14, 2009 - 3:30 PM
The spread of pandemic flu accelerated significantly in Minnesota last week.
The number of schools reporting outbreaks jumped from 125 to 215 across the state, and the number of people who went to the doctor because of flu-like symptoms more than doubled from 5 percent of all patients to 11.4 percent, the Minnesota Department of Health reported Wedensday.
There were another 66 confirmed H1N1 hospitalizations, bringing the total since Sept. 1 to 163. Four people have died in that same time period.
The weekly report provides state-wide data through Oct. 10. The health department asks schools to report when more than 5 percent of their students are absent. Patient data is provided by a group of about 25 doctor clinics around the state.
Clinics, hospitals and state health officials are still awaiting the first shipment of H1N1 vaccine for the general public. The first 30,000 doses will be administered to children with severe underlying health conditions through hospitals and clinics, officials said.
For the first time this fall, the department also reported confirmed cases of seasonal influenza as well as H1N1.
