Influenza cases are surging in Maine, but overall respiratory illness activity is low.

Matt spoke with Dr. Dora Mills Chief Health Improvement Officer for MaineHealth. She discussed the recent rise in flu cases in Maine, noting a doubling of cases. She explained that respiratory viruses, including flu, RSV, and COVID-19, are common during this time of year, especially with increased indoor activities.

Currently, Maine is experiencing a moderate flu season with around 30-50 COVID-19 hospitalizations and 60-70 flu hospitalizations, compared to over 400 COVID-19 hospitalizations three years ago.

Mills emphasized the importance of hand washing, covering coughs, staying home if sick, wearing masks indoors, and getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19.

Maine reported 1,131 flu cases in the most recent week (ending January 24th), which is more than double the number from the previous week.

Flu season runs from October through May. Flu symptoms include fever, chills, cough, headaches, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, muscle aches and fatigue.

The presence of the flu virus in wastewater, or sewage, is moderate in Maine, although the level of RSV is high, and the presence of COVID-19 in wastewater is very high.