Mid-state flu cases up this year

? Health officials in central Kansas say influenza cases are up from last year, but the numbers seem to be declining now.

“It’s a lot more than last year,” said Jettie Zoller, of the Central Kansas Medical Center. The medical center has confirmed 62 cases of influenza at its Great Bend and Larned campuses.

Flu season usually peaks in February, and this year is no exception.

“The percentage rate (of positive influenza tests) is going down,” Zoller said.

As of three weeks ago, hospital labs had conducted 60 tests, 48 of which were positive. Since then, 73 tests have been conducted and only 14 have been positive.

Being immunized before flu season can offer significant protection, and it is also possible to reduce risks from the flu and colds, health officials say.