KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Some experts are saying this could be the worst flu season ever in the U.S. There are three times as many hospitalized this year as last. Hospital beds in some parts of the country are full, some hospitals have set up tents in the parking lot to triage flu sufferers and supplies are running out.
Health officials blame a particularly virulent strain of the virus, and a flu vaccine that is effective only 10 to 30% of the time.
Epidemiologist Dr. Richard Van Enk at Bronson Methodist says it’s not good, but it’s not that bad here, a little worse than average.
He says it’s still a good idea to get a flu shot if you haven’t already, because we are still well over a month from seeing the end of the season.
He says we have seen much worse. As recently as 2014, there were five flu related deaths in Kalamazoo County. So far this year there haven’t been any.
