This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2006, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Flu activity is picking up in Utah, with seven hospitalized patients reported in Davis, Salt Lake and Weber counties. "While we can't predict when the season will peak, our recent surveillance data indicate that Utah is likely to see increasing influenza activity in the near future," said Lisa Wyman, with the Utah Department of Health. The health department determines the level of activity by getting reports from certain health care providers, schools on absenteeism and hospitals. The hospitalizations have been associated with both influenza A and the more mild B viruses. The majority have occurred in people at high-risk for complications, including the elderly and chronically ill. For information on vaccine recommendations and disease facts, visit http://health.utah.gov/flu. The Web site is updated every Wednesday throughout the flu season. "Fortunately, many providers have received their influenza vaccine supplies. It is not too late to get vaccinated," said Linda Abel, the health department's immunization program manager. To find a flu clinic near you, visit the Flu Vaccine Locator at http://www.immunize-utah.org. - Carey Hamilton