KGWN –Cheyenne, WY– Scottsbluff, NE News,Weather, SportsFlu Cases Down in Laramie County

Flu Cases Down in Laramie County

We are right in the middle of what is typically the peak of flu season, but we have yet to see a spike in cases around Wyoming.

Doctors and nurses have not been as busy treating the flu this year as in past years, but that doesn't mean your risk of getting the flu this season is over.

The Wyoming Department of Health considers flu season to be from October through May. But when the peak of flu season hits can often vary.

"January, February are typically the peaks of activity, but that can vary from season to season and we are seeing a variance from the norm probably right now," said Kim Deti with the Wyoming Department of Health.

Cheyenne Regional Medical Center says the types of flu have been typical this year. There have not been any cases of swine flu that they've seen.

"We test A and B most places. That's really all you get for results so A and B. A is usually predominant and I would say that's right on the money for this year again," said Erica Hanson with CRMC.

Hanson says flu symptoms they've seen have not been out of the ordinary.

"Major symptoms for flu would be fever, fatigue, cough and body aches," said Hanson.

The number of cases that have been reported to the Department of Health show Cheyenne has avoided an outbreak thus far.

"Laramie County has had 15 cases listed for flu for this season actually. So that's October through the third week of January is what these numbers are currently through," said Hanson.

Flu vaccinations for anyone above the age of six months is the most effective way to stay away from the flu, but there are other ways to keep the number of flu cases at a minimum.

"Hand washing obviously. Cover your coughs with your sleeve preferably and then stay away from people who are sick and don't go to school or work if you are sick, if you're having symptoms," said Hanson.

The Department of Health still recommends you get a seasonal flu shot if you haven't already because the virus is unpredictable and they don't know what's going to happen the rest of the season.