The state of Michigan is experiencing its first major flu outbreak of the season, and the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services is reminding everyone that the flu vaccine is one of the best tools for preventing the spread.

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A recent outbreak among University of Michigan Students, involving 525 cases of influenza A, has prompted the reminder from the MDHHS:

As we head into respiratory virus season, it is important to take every mitigation measure we can to prevent outbreaks of the flu, RSV and COVID-19. Wearing masks, washing hands, social distancing and getting vaccinated for the flu and COVID-19 will help prevent the spread of illness. COVID-19 vaccines and flu vaccines can be administered at the same time, and we encourage all eligible Michiganders to get theirs as soon as possible. -Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive.

As of last week, these are the following county's rates for vaccination coverage in West Michigan (via MDHHS):

  • Kent: 27.10%
  • Ottawa: 27.63%
  • Muskegon: 22.35%
  • Allegan: 20.52%

Data from MDHHS’s flu vaccine dashboard show that influenza vaccine administrations are down versus previous seasons.

📷 MDHHS
📷 MDHHS
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During a typical flu season like the 2019-2020 flu season, the nation recorded 39 to 56 million estimated cases of the flu. The 2020-2021 flu season was unique in many ways, resulting in historically low flu activity for the entire season.

Public health professionals indicate that community mitigation measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic such as masking and social distancing and influenza vaccination could have contributed to the below-average amount of influenza cases last season.

To learn more about influenza, visit Michigan.gov/flu. For more information about COVID-19, visit Michigan.gov/coronavirus.

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Big Seven Travel has named the River Road National Scenic Byway as Michigan's "Most Scenic Drive" for 2021. It is a gorgeous stretch of road filled with forests, trails, scenic overlooks and runs parallel to the historic Au Sable River

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