According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza activity is currently high in the U.S. and is expected to continue for several weeks. Influenza A and Influenza B are both circulating.  

The Health Department’s Communicable Disease program is reporting an uptick in influenza activity for Lake County since late January.  Outbreaks in long-term care facilities, calls from schools reporting above normal absenteeism due to influenza-like-illness (ILI), and emergency room visits for ILI have all been increasing in Lake County. As of February 1, 2020, 21 Lake County residents have been admitted to the intensive care unit for influenza-related illness. 

 It is not too late to get vaccinated. The flu vaccine is available from many providers and retail locations throughout Lake County. Contact your doctor or visit www.vaccinefinder.org to search for locations where flu vaccinations are given, then call ahead to check on availability.  

Protect yourself and others from illness by remembering to Clean, Cover and Contain: 

• Clean your hands regularly with soap and water or hand sanitizer.  
• Use a tissue or your arm to cover coughs and sneezes.  
• Contain your illness by staying home and resting.