State epidemiologist Dr. Lon Kightlinger says the flu is now widespread in South Dakota. He says the strain is not a good match for this year’s vaccine. He says there have been 18 deaths, 320 hospitalizations, and more than 18,000 sick people tested. He says there are more confirmed cases this year than the past couple of years.
“This year appears to be worse than any year since 2009, and that was the pandemic year. That was a completely different year. But all told this year is turning out to be a bad influenza year and the end is not yet in sight,” Kightlinger says.
Kightlinger says the supply of Tamiflu is tight this year, but there isn’t a shortage. He says that product doesn’t cure the flu, but it will shorten the duration of the illness if taken within the first 48 hours of being sick.