Flu cases at a local hospital have spiked compared to this time last year.
HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan reports 60 total flu cases so far this season, which is more than double than a year ago.
Health officials advise it is not too late to get the flu shot. As the number of cases rises they are reminding the public to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
There are also steps you can take at home to ward off the flu.
Keeping your home clean and sanitized helps prevent spreading the illness.
"Typically the areas that have the highest bacteria and germs would be bathrooms and kitchens," said Marc Colletti, Owner/Operator of Molly Maid franchise covering east metro Milwaukee and Racine County.
Marc says they have taken more last-minute calls to cancel or reschedule cleaning over the past few weeks.
"My child is sick. My husband is sick. The whole house is sick so we're staying home, so from an impact we see it that way."
Marc says if a family member is sick, designate a bathroom just for them if you can.
Clean surfaces that hands touch often, viruses can stay active longer on hard surfaces.
"In the home, checking the light switch plates handles of doors, sometimes we'll do the full door frame especially if it's a push door that goes both ways, the remote controls," Marc said.
Plus, luggage and jackets that encounter a lot of people may transfer the spread of germs so do not throw them on your bed.
