HOLLAND, Mich. — The Ottawa County Health Department says the amount of flu cases is on the rise over the last couple weeks of 2019.
In the 51st week of the year, about 40% of flu tests conducted by health care providers and labs tested positive, and the number of flu-like illnesses reported by schools, daycare centers and health care providers is higher than this time last year.
The health department says circulation of the flu tends to increase during the holidays, but it still isn’t peak flu season, which typically happens from mid-January to March.
Health officials say the best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year. They also suggest avoiding close contact with sick people, staying home from work when ill, washing hands often and cleaning frequently touched services.
