The number of Mississippians coming down with the flu continued to decline last week although cases still remain above the national and regional averages.

According to data collected by the Mississippi Department of Health for the week ending Jan. 20, 720 out of 13,611 patients presented with influenza-like illness giving the state an ILI rate of 5.3%. That is down from 6.6% for the week ending Jan. 13 and 7.7% for the week ending Jan. 6

The ILI rate for the week ending Jan. 20, 2023, was 3.6%.

MSDH District 6, which includes Lauderdale, Kemper, Clarke, Jasper, Newton, Neshoba, Scott, Leake and Smith counties, saw its ILI rate decline from 6.5% to 5% over the same time period. Nationally, the ILI rate declined to 4.3%, with Region 4, which includes the southeast, having a rate of 5.3%.

Flu cases have been highest in those 5-24 years old.

Although decreasing, flu rates remain above the national baseline of 2.9% and 3.3% for Region 4.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Fluview, a weekly report on seasonal influenza, flu activity remains high throughout the country, but cases have been going down for three straight weeks.

For the week ending Jan. 20, the CDC reported an additional 10 pediatrics deaths bringing the total to 57 for this year. Mississippi has reported two pediatric deaths from flu for the 2023-24 flu season.

To help combat the flu, the CDC recommends those six months and older receive an annual flu vaccine. The vaccine reduces both the risk of contracting the flu and the potential for severe symptoms. Those at risk of having severe complications, such as young children, elderly, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems, are especially encouraged to get vaccinated.

Those who do come down with the flu may find some relief from antiviral medications that have been shown to reduce the severity of the flu symptoms and shorten the time it takes to recover. Residents can talk with their doctor to decide if antivirals are a good fit for them.