The number of flu cases reported over the last month across Michigan has been going down. But thousands continue to be reported weekly, and it's premature to say flu season is behind us, according to Dr. Eden Wells, the state's chief medical executive.
Wells said influenza is still widespread in Michigan, and that means more than half the state's counties are reporting recent flu outbreaks or increased flu activity.
"While we are seeing some decrease in various regions of the state, there is still going to be expected flu and influenza outbreaks for the next couple of months," said Wells.
Wells said despite reported cases declining in the last four weeks, new strains of flu could pop up.
"What I would like to see is a couple more weeks to see where the activity is going on all of these strains, before I can say, 'Oh yes, we're out of the woods,'' Wells said.
Wells said it continues to be a good idea to get a flu shot to avoid getting the flu or to reduce its symptoms.
Michigan has been hard-hit by the flu in 2018.
According to figures from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the number of flu cases reported in the first two months of this year is more than twice the number reported in all of 2016 -- and four times the number in all of 2015.
MDHHS confirmed two pediatric influenza deaths in the current flu season.
