The Jefferson County Health Department reported 60 new flu cases for the first week of 2022, from Jan. 2 to Jan. 8.
That was down from the previous week when there were 173 cases from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. The county saw 217 cases from Dec. 19 to Dec. 25, according to the Health Department.
So far this flu season, which began Oct. 3 and ends May 21, the county has had a total of 841 cases, the Health Department reported.
Of the flu cases this season, 93 percent have been Type A and the rest Type B.
One flu-related death has been reported this season – a woman in her 30s.
This season has already surpassed the 2020-2021 season, when there were 136 flu cases and no flu deaths or outbreaks in Jefferson County, the Health Department reported.
Flu cases also were down across the state last season, when a total 1,795 cases, two flu-related deaths and no outbreaks or school closures were reported, according to the DHSS.
The worst flu season on record in Jefferson County was the 2017-2018 season, with 3,982 cases and 16 deaths, according to Health Department reports.
The 2019-2020 flu season in Jefferson county was the second highest flu season on record, with a total of 2,932 cases, four flu-related deaths and one outbreak at a long-term care facility, according to the Health Department.
Sara Wilton, Health Department epidemiologist, recommends everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine.
“Flu vaccination is the best way to prevent the spread of flu,” she said.
Appointments for a flu vaccine from the Health Department may be scheduled by calling 636-797-3737.