UPDATE (Friday, Jan. 18): With experts continuing to say the flu outbreak shows no signs of slowing down, the Minnesota Department of Health released information this week that 60 people have died from complications of influena. 

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, more than 1,800 people have been hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza in Minnesota.

As recently as Jan.10, the MDH said the flu had claimed 27 lives including a 14-year-old St. Louis Park girl.

It’s not just Minnesota that is battling the flu. Boston has declared a health emergency with 700 cases of influenza diagnosed. That’s about ten times higher than flu rates last year. Health officials are hoping the health alert will prompt those who have not gotten the flu shot to get one as soon as possible.

What can you do to protect yourself against the flu?

• Get vaccinated.
• Avoid being exposed to others who are sick with a flu-like illness.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
• Clean your hands often – with soap and water, or a hand sanitizer.
• Take special care to protect infants. Try not to expose them to large crowds when flu is in your community, and avoid close contact between the baby and family members who may be sick.
• Do not share drinking cups and straws.
• Clean commonly touched surfaces often (door knobs, refrigerator handles, phones, water faucets). 
• Do not smoke around children.

(List provided by the MN Dept of Health)

Where can you get the vaccine in Plymouth?

• CVS
• Walgreens - Three Plymouth locations: Vicksburg, Vinewood, Shenandoah.
• Cub Pharmacy
• SuperTarget Pharmacy