flu

CDC estimates that there have been at least 5.3 million illnesses, 63,000 hospitalizations, and 2,700 deaths from flu so far this season.

The Casper VA Clinic team is holding the first set of Veteran drive-thru Flu Clinics on Oct. 8, from 8 to 11 a.m. and on Oct. 20, from 1 to 3 p.m.

The Wyoming Department of Health said that the need for flu shots remains extremely important to help protect Wyoming residents from influenza, despite a relatively quiet flu season last year.

"It’s not a matter of what we are paying attention to right now; it’s what it really happening with illnesses in the state.”

At a time when the pandemic is spiking both nationwide and locally in Wyoming, now is certainly a good time for anyone to get their flu shots as that season is upon us. Unfortunately, Wyoming has one of the worst flu vaccine rates in the nation.

The vaccines are available at locations including local public health nursing offices, workplaces, doctors’ offices, pharmacies and retail stores.

For the month of January, Wyoming has finished in the top five on the list of states with the most flu activity. This, according to the Walgreens Flu Index.

“Influenza should never be overlooked or accepted as a minor problem.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control rates Wyoming flu activity as moderate.