Emergency rooms across the state are treating increasing numbers of flu patients, and recent data shows Michigan among the states with “very high” influenza-like illness levels. The dominant circulating strain this season is a variant of Influenza A (H3N2), known as subclade K, which has been linked to higher case counts nationwide. The strain is hitting people hard and lasting longer than typically expected for the flu.

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Hospitals are noticing the impact: more patients are coming in with high fevers, congestion and fatigue, and positive flu tests have climbed sharply in the past few weeks. Health workers in West Michigan especially say they’ve seen a significant uptick in positive flu results just since the holiday season as people have returned to work and school.

According to the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, as of Monday, hospitals in the state have reported that 818 of their inpatients (759 adults and 59 children) had influenza. A majority of those patients are 75 and older. However, new state data from the MDHHS weekly influenza surveillance report on January 5 shows children 4 and under make up the next highest numbers for hospitalization.

Low vaccination rates raise concern.

Despite an active and fast-spreading flu season, vaccination coverage in Michigan remains below desired levels, sitting at only 23,9%, leaving many vulnerable to infection.

Experts emphasize that even though the current vaccine isn’t a perfect match for the dominant strain, it can still offer protection against severe outcomes and hospitalization. Along with vaccines, doctors recommend basic precautions like frequent handwashing, staying home when sick, and avoiding close contact with others if symptoms develop.