New figures from the South Dakota Department of Health show there have been 146 lab-confirmed cases of influenza in the state so far this season, and 26 flu-related hospitalizations.
State Epidemiologist Dr. Joshua Clayton says it’s not to late too get vaccinated. He says it takes about two weeks after getting a flu shot for your body to build protection against the flu.
Annual flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone six months and older. Groups like pregnant women, children under age 5, people over 65, and those with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for flu-related complications such as pneumonia and flu-related hospitalizations.