Michigan public health leaders said this week that multiple respiratory illnesses are placing added strain on communities this season, with influenza leading the surge while RSV and whooping cough remained ongoing concerns.
Michigan is now at the “very high” level of infection in the CDC’s 13-tier scale. State experts point to the reduced number of those being vaccinated for the increased numbers of hospitalizations.
Michigan health officials emphasized young children and infants face the highest risk for severe illness and complications. Michigan Chief Medical Executive Natasha Bagdasarian told us more.
“In the ER, those influenza cases are increasing exponentially,” Bagdasarian said. “They’re also seeing a massive influx of influenza cases in their ICUs and on ventilators. Again, these are pediatric cases.”
Flu related hospitalizations have increased 40% year-over-year.
Doctors and public health leaders say vaccinations remain an important tool to protect vulnerable populations and reduce the spread of serious disease.
