After a record flu season, cases are beginning to decline in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's current flu season has been one of its worst in the past decade, though recent Wisconsin Department of Health Services data shows statewide activity is beginning to decline.
The severe flu season follows a nationwide trend. Lagging vaccination rates, more severe viral strains and holiday travel are all to blame for the record spread, experts say.
All regions across the state are still experiencing high flu activity, though DHS' surveillance measures are showing a "gradual decline," DHS Respiratory Disease Epidemiologist Tom Haupt told the Journal Sentinel in an email Wednesday.
For the week ending March 1, DHS data shows a similar trend for general respiratory illness activity levels statewide.
DHS laboratory test data for the week of Feb. 16 to Feb. 22 showed 4,899 positive flu tests — 29% of the 16,895 total tests run. The following week, from Feb. 23 to March 1, there were 4,567 positive tests, or 25.2% of the 18,108 tests run.
There were 533 reported hospitalizations for the week ending March 1, down from 653 reported for the week ending Feb. 22, according to the new DHS hospitalization data webpage.
Haupt confirmed influenza type A is still the dominant viral strain spreading in Wisconsin.
Here's what to know:
The two most common — and most severe — flu strains are A and B, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Type A is known to cause more severe illness. Flu A typically starts in the fall and peaks around February or March, though it can last through April.
More: Flu cases are high in Wisconsin. What's the difference between flu A and flu B?
Here's a look at influenza activity by region, according to DHS data:
Northeastern region: Very high activity but decreasing
Northern region: High activity but decreasing
Southeastern region: High activity but decreasing
Southern region: High activity but decreasing
Western region: Very high activity but decreasing
More: Wisconsin is seeing among its worst flu seasons of the past decade. Here's why
Haupt emphasized it is "never too late" to get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19, as well as RSV for infants — and adults meeting eligibility requirements.
To schedule a vaccination appointment, you can reach out to your primary care provider, local or Tribal health departments and community clinics. You can also visit vaccines.gov, or call 211 or 877-947-2211.
If you don't have health insurance, you can check your eligibility for the state's free vaccine programs for children and adults, according to DHS. You can also visit Healthcare.gov for more options.
To protect yourself from such illnesses, you should also:
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
Avoid being around those who are ill
Gather outside when possible
Wear a high-quality mask
In addition to the above, if you end up catching a respiratory illness, DHS says you should:
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then disposing of the tissue
Stay home when symptomatic, except if you need medical care
Maia Pandey contributed to this report.
More: Two states have reported recent measles outbreaks. Is Wisconsin at risk?
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Flu season 2025: Activity is still high, but decreasing in Wisconsin
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