Flu Impact Waning Across Minnesota

Influenza killed 15 more Minnesotans last week, bringing the total number of state deaths in the current outbreak to 75--more than the total number of state residents killed during the last big outbreak during 2009-10.

But the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) weekly flu update, released Thursday afternoon, also contained good news: Only 208 people across the state were newly hospitalized last week with laboratory-confirmed influenza, a big drop from the 476 hospitalized the previous week.

Health Department spokesman Doug Schultz told WCCO that it will be another week before officials know for sure where the flu season has peaked in Minnesota. But he added that trends are pointing in that direction.

For example, there were only nine confirmed outbreaks in long-term care facilities last week; there were more than 50 the week before.

If you're considering getting a flu shot, here are some places in and near Golden Valley that offer the vaccine:

Cub Foods

• 5301 36th Avenue N., Crystal

CVS Pharmacy

• 4152 Lakeland Ave. N., Robbinsdale
• 7932 27th Ave. N., New Hope

North Memorial Clinic—Golden Valley Family Physicians

Park Nicollet Clinic

Walgreens

• 5695 Duluth St., Golden Valley
• 2500 Winnetka Ave. N.
• 5695 Duluth St., Minneapolis
• 4100 W Broadway Ave., Robbinsdale

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Golden Valley Patch's flu coverage:

• Flu Rates Skyrocket in Minnesota; 27 Deaths Now Reported
• Hennepin County Offering Low-Cost Flu Immunizations
• ISD 281 Taking Preventative Measures Against Flu
• Simple Steps to Fight Off the Flu
• CDC Says Flu Rates Up Across Minnesota: Where to Get Flu Shots in Golden Valley