The latest flu report accounts for 106 deaths since the start of the season - 22 more than the numbers released on January 27, which totaled 84 deaths.
The flu season is estimated to run from December through March annually, although you can get the flu at any time of the year.
That's just one of the battles Nebraska and Iowa residents are fighting as flu season continues to grip the nation.
"Flu is incredibly complex and hard to predict and this season is a somber reminder of why flu is one of the world's greatest public health challenges".
Since October, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recorded more than 14,000 people hospitalized nationally with influenza and 53 pediatric deaths.
The County Health Department offers walk-in flu clinics at the Nick Sterio Public Health Clinic, 70 Bunner St., Oswego, weekdays from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. At the ADH lab, there were 7 positive influenza A subtype H3N2, 2 positive influenza A subtype H1N1, 6 positive influenza B subtype Yamagata; 2 samples tested negative that week. All children under the age of 18 can also receive the flu vaccine for free.
According to the MDHHS, the vaccine is especially important for people at increased risk for complications from flu, including children, adults aged 65 years and older, people of any age with underlying medical conditions and pregnant women.
The Palm Beach Post reported that high humidity can deter the spread of the flu, because "water in the air encapsulates airborne viruses, making them heavy, and causing them to fall to the ground more quickly".
Before this season, the most flu deaths seen locally since 2012 was six. Reported cases of the flu or absent students in the district have not been higher than any other year.
She said even though it takes 10 to 14 days to build immunity after getting the vaccine, people getting the flu shot now will have protection for the last few weeks of the flu season.
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness with symptoms such as fever, chills, aches, cough and sore throat.
Other than washing hands, and avoiding somebody who's sick, she suggests "fist bumping, elbow bumping and try to avoid the handshaking, which we all like to do".
How does the flu spread?
While flu viruses mutate, there are common traits all of them share. If not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.