ESCANABA — Flu season is underway, as people may have noticed through coughing coworkers, sniffling children, sick family members, depleted stocks of over-the-counter medicines, increased traffic at walk-in clinics, or their own symptoms. The biggest offender locally is influenza A, with 39% of tests done at the hospital and clinics at OSF in Escanaba turning up positive.

From late fall to early spring, respiratory illnesses tend to circulate in the U.S. In the local area, the typical peak is seen in January and February, said a spokesperson for Public Health of Delta and Menominee Counties (PHDM). Some people have noted that the wave seems to have hit slightly earlier than usual this year.

Michigan was one of ten states that clocked in at the highest level of activity for influenza-like illnesses during the most recent data report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Local numbers for certain illnesses are particularly high, reported OSF HealthCare Infection Preventionist Nicole Pirlot.

“Currently, influenza A is what we are seeing the highest number of cases for with 39% of our testing for respiratory illness coming back positive,” she said. “Additionally, we are seeing RSV and COVID cases in higher numbers.”

A district nurse for Escanaba Area Public Schools also noted that there had been several cases of norovirus recently in addition to COVID and flu, but that influenza A was the big one.

Flu symptoms can onset abruptly and include some or all of the following: cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, aches, chills, chest discomfort, fatigue, and fever in some but not all people, according to the CDC.

“Individuals who have influenza are typically most contagious three to five days after the appearance of their symptoms, so it is recommended to stay home during this time frame to help prevent spreading the virus. It is also recommended to avoid going back to school or work until you are fever-free without taking medication to help reduce the fever,” said Pirlot.

The very young, elderly, immunocompromised and those with chronic conditions are most at risk for developing complications from the flu. Symptoms that could indicate dangerous complications and which should prompt immediate medical attention include difficulty breathing, not urinating, severe muscle pain or weakness, seizures or worsening of chronic conditions.

Another respiratory infection that was seen in large numbers locally, statewide and nationally in 2024 was the highly-contagious bacterial infection pertussis — also known as whooping cough.

“In 2024, Public Health had 66 cases of pertussis reported. In the past 10 years, we have had less than five cases reported each year, with the exception of 11 cases in 2019,” relayed Immunization/Communicable Disease Coordinator Jennie Miller, RN/BSN with PHDM.

In January 2025 alone, 16 cases of whooping cough were confirmed in Delta and Menominee Counties, mostly in school-aged children. Last year, 75% of whooping cough cases in Michigan were in children under the age of 18.

“Vaccinations continue to be our top line of defense against the spread of pertussis,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive for the State of Michigan, in a November press release. “With a declining rate of immunizations, we are unfortunately seeing a rise in pertussis and other vaccine-preventable diseases statewide. We encourage all Michiganders to stay up to date with their immunization schedule.”

Pirlot noted that OSF began to see a number of whooping cough cases at the end of October. Numbers have been declining since the end of December, but “we are still seeing a few sporadic cases pop up positive in our clinic testing,” she said.

Local schools reported that the rate of student absences have been typical for this time of year, and none have come close to falling behind the required 75% attendance threshold.

“The district’s number of absences related to illness are about on par with previous winters. February is always a tough month where we see increased levels of illness,” said Escanaba District Nurse Kelly Westerberg. “However, the number of reported cases of influenza A are higher than what they have been in recent years.”

Westerberg said that kids “have been missing three to five days on average as of late, (which) is a tad bit longer than in previous years.”

Educators in Gladstone also noted that some sick students were absent for similarly long spells.

It’s difficult to say what may be causing the prolonged symptoms this year, largely because many respiratory illnesses are not reportable.

“Many sick individuals may not seek medical care, and many of the ones who do might not pursue testing as it can be quite costly,” Miller said.

Pirlot and Miller both offered tips to the public on how to stay healthy. Many are things everyone has heard, but can easily forget to practice: avoid contact with those who are sick, wash hands regularly, avoid touching your face — the eyes, nose and mouth are all entry points for infection.

“Getting a flu shot is the number one thing to do to prevent influenza,” Miller said. “Other healthy habits include washing your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing your stress, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating nutritious food.”

People who do fall ill should get plenty of rest, which can aid in speedier recovery; drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration; avoid contact with others to prevent infections from spreading; use heat packs to relieve aching muscles; and take medicine as needed, preferably after consulting with a healthcare professional.