Minnesota Death Toll From Flu Hits 58 This Season

MINNESOTA — A total of 58 people have died from the flu this season, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. Of those 58, ten died in the past week, including a child.

Since the start of the influenza season, two pediatric flu deaths have been reported.

The Twin Cities metro alone has seen more than 1,500 flu-related hospitalizations this season, according to the MDH's latest flu report.

More than 2,360 people have been hospitalized for the flu statewide.

MDH says everyone six months and older should get the flu vaccine every year. Getting a flu vaccine helps protect you from getting the flu and prevents you from passing it to people who could get very sick.

These populations have the highest risk for getting very sick from flu:

• People age 65 and older
• Young children, especially those under 2 years old
• Pregnant women
• People with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease
• American Indian and Alaska Natives

However, anyone can get seriously sick from the flu.

Here's what the MDH says about avoiding the flu:

• Get vaccinated.
• Avoid being around others who are sick.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or an alcohol-based, waterless hand sanitizer.
• Protect infants by not exposing them to large crowds or sick family members when flu is in your community.
• Do not share drinking cups and straws.
• Clean commonly touched surfaces often (door knobs, refrigerator handles, phones, and water faucets).