Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Dakota County Public Health offers local flu shot clinics in the next couple weeks.
Fighting the flu this late in the season is still a battle, even though fewer cases are being reported, according to the Dakota County Public Health Department. "Flu season isn't over yet," states a department media release. "If there is anyone in your family who needs a flu vaccination, it's not too late to vaccinate." The department is offering flu shot clinics in March — all in Apple Valley — for a reduced fee for eligible children and adults. Check the department's website to see if you are eligible, or call 952-891-7528. Babies who recently turned six months old should especially be vaccinated. Some children under 9-years-old need two doses, according to the department. March Clinics: All clinics will be held at the Dakota County …
Thursday, January 10, 2013
More than 1,100 hospitalized; Minnesota Department of Health urges precautions.
This flu season is proving brutal in Minnesota, with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) now reporting 27 deaths in the state, including 23 that officials have been able to confirm as flu-related since Dec. 30. Since the start of the influenza season, 1,121 people have been hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza, according to the MDH reports for the 2012–2013 season. That number includes 401 hospitalizations for the week ending Jan. 5. Dakota County is no exception; Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville is reporting a shortage of available beds due to severe cases of the flu, and the Apple Valley Urgent Care and Quick Clinic is seeing call volumes and patient visits up 20-50 percent over typical levels at this time of …
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Experts say it's not too late for preventive measures against influenza, which is hitting Dakota County especially hard this season.
This year's strain of flu is turning out to be particularly nasty—and pervasive. But if you haven't yet fallen ill, it's not too late for preventive measures. Several institutions throughout Apple Valley and Rosemount are offering the vaccine. Among them:
