influenza

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.”

The health department encourages everyone to bring insurance cards for potentially lower costs.

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

During the 2019-2020 flu season, more than 4,600 veterans were hospitalized at VA medical centers.

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

The shots take about two weeks to take effect, so people are being urged to get them now if they haven't already.

Coroner Mark Stratmoen says the initiating illness was the flu.

Wyoming recorded 27 flu deaths last flu season, with most of the victims being elderly.

The Department of Health estimates the season won't peak for a while, leaving time for vaccination.