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Flu Season Lingers

Univ. of Melbourne
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After getting off to a late start this year, flu season is dragging on in New Mexico. The state Department of Health is urging people to get vaccinated.

The Department of Health says as many as 115 flu-related deaths have been recorded in New Mexico this year. That’s not an unusual amount, but what is unusual is that the flu is still going around.

“We’re seeing flu activity in all regions of the state. Certain parts of the state are seeing more—the metro region of Albuquerque, as well as the northwest part of the state,” said David Selvage, bureau chief of Infectious Disease and Epidemiology at the DOH.

“At this point it’s hard to say if we’re still seeing an overall increase or decrease, so it’s still a good opportunity for people to get the flu shot,” he said.

In other words, flu cases could still be on the rise, and the season might not be winding down for a while. Selvage says this year’s flu shot is especially effective, and getting the shot now will keep people healthy until the season ends.

Ed Williams came to KUNM in 2014 by way of Carbondale, Colorado, where he worked as a public radio reporter covering environmental issues. Originally from Austin, Texas, Ed has reported on environmental, social justice, immigration and Native American issues in the U.S. and Latin America for the Austin American-Statesman, Z Magazine, NPR’s Latino USA and others. In his spare time, look for Ed riding his mountain bike in the Sandias or sparring on the jiu-jitsu mat.
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