Flu numbers on the rise

South Dakota is starting to see flu numbers climb. From December 2018 to early February 2019, Pennington County has already seen 21 cases end up in the hospital and already one death. In early February, about 1,000 cases of flu was reported, according to the state health department. But the Regional Health Director of Infection, Prevention and Control, Tyron White, says flu season can peak anytime between December to March. So it’s normal to see these numbers at this time. White says Influenza A and respiratory syncytial virus, RSV, are the most common illnesses in Rapid City. RSV affects children the most. According to the state health report, just in the start of 2019 three percent of children are missing school due to illnesses. One regional health worker says they do about 30 flu tests a day during this season.