Highly Contagious Illness Hits 15-Year High, Closing Michigan Schools

It's hard to go anywhere in Michigan without hearing someone coughing, sneezing, or sniffling somewhere in the distance.

It's no secret that Michigan residents are sicker than ever right now. I think it's safe to say that everyone knows at least one sick person, if not many more Some are so sick that they're being forced to stay home from work or school.

So, what’s going on? What highly contagious illness is spreading like wildfire throughout Michigan? Well, to be honest, Michigan isn't the only state dealing with this... it's everywhere.

CBS News reports that, for the first time since the pandemic started, more people in the U.S. are dying from the flu than from COVID-19. Flu cases are at a 15-year high, and it doesn't seem to be letting up anytime soon.

Influenza is so bad this year that some Michigan schools have closed due to the number of kids getting sick.

There isn't a whole lot you can do to avoid getting the flu, but it's worth taking precautions.

• Get the flu shot – It’s not a guarantee, but it can seriously reduce your chances or make it less miserable if you do catch it.
• Wash your hands often – Trust me, it’s worth it.
• Stay away from sick people – If they’re coughing and sneezing, just keep your distance.
• Take care of your immune system – Eat well, drink water, sleep enough, and try not to stress too much.
• Clean your stuff – Wipe down phones, doorknobs, remotes, keyboards, and anything else where germs can easily spread.

Last week, I missed 3 1/2 days of work due to the flu. It started with some coughing, which eventually led to a fever, nonstop chills, body aches, and fatigue. I had so much pressure behind my eyes that I was even sensitive to bright light. It was the sickest I’d been since getting the Swine Flu in 2009. It’s strange because experts say this year’s flu activity is the highest we’ve seen since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.