GENESEE COUNTY -- Two people have died from influenza in Genesee County and health officials warn its spreading like wildfire across Mid-Michigan.
Last week the State of Michigan upgraded flu activity from ‘regional’ to ‘widespread.’
NBC25 went to a childcare center to find out how they're trying to keep kids from getting sick.
Three-year-old Milan wasn't feeling well Friday. With a temperature of a 102, the owner of Angel Kisses Christian Daycare decided to call mom and dad.
"Our babies have been catching a lot of things," said Karen Gantz, The Owner of Angel Kisses Christian Childcare.
Flu season usually peaks in February. But, in the last two weeks the number of cases have spiked in Genesee County, especially at childcare centers.
"A lot of kids in close contact, a lot of younger kids don't necessarily have the best hygienic practices, and viruses generally spread in those populations," said Mike Valacak, the Health Officer of the Genesee County Health Department.
Kids with flu can spread it to others up to six feet away through coughing, sneezing, or talking.
To try and stop the spread of infection, everyday this childcare center is disinfected, that means the floors are swept up and every surface is cleaned with bleach-like solution.
"And we also teach them a fun little trick that when they wash their hands, to sing their ABC’s all the way through," said Gantz.
But sometimes prevention isn't enough. This season two people died from the flu in Genesee County, a 55 year old man from Flint, and a one month old baby.
"Parents, grandparents, sibling who are handling a young infant really need to be protected by the vaccine," said Valacak.
Young children like Milan are at a high risk of being hospitalized with flu-related complications like pneumonia. That's why health officials encourage everyone age six months and up to get their flu shot.
The flu shot this year protects people from H1N1, Type A, and Type B flu strains.
Health officials say the deaths in Genesee County were caused by both Type A and B.
Last year cases of the whooping cough spiked.
The CDC reports 26 people died.
