The season of giving has passed, but the season of diseases is wreaking havoc in Shawano County as cases of cold, flu, COVID-19 and more are on the rise.
Nick Mau, Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department director, said ThedaCare Medical Center-Shawano is full, with some of the more serious cases being transported to the New London hospital and other nearby facilities.
“We had, I believe, 10 COVID hospitalizations within the last week and several for influenza,” Mau said Dec. 30. “We’re seeing influenza outbreaks in our long-term care facilities starting to creep up, as well. We’re definitely coming to a peak for cold and flu season.”
With the cold and flu season typically going on through April, Mau believes this season will be especially problematic for the counties.
“Those who haven’t gotten vaccinated yet, we’re still right in the middle of that season,” he said. “Getting that vaccine, a COVID shot or a flu shot right now is still a good idea. There’s still a long period of time (for the season), so that shot can provide some immunity for you going into the new year.”
If people get ill, despite the vaccine, Mau recommends staying at home to prevent the further spread of viruses.
“Stay home, drink lots of fluids and seek medical attention for fevers lasting several days or if you’re having trouble staying hydrated,” Mau said. “Definitely talk to your doctors, as well, about immunizations if you have questions. I recommend just talking to your primary care doctor and see if any of those vaccines are right for you.”
Flu is not just affecting the people of Shawano and Menominee counties. Mau said there have been a few cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza that have come to his attention and are starting to affect the milk supply.
“It’s nothing to be alarming, because the state has been monitoring Wisconsin’s milk supply since the beginning of this year (2025),” Mau said. “Nothing that has tested positive has reached the consumer, but it’s best to be mindful, for those that have backyard flocks to just keep an eye on them for symptoms and making sure they seem healthy.”
Anyone who has sick birds or birds that suddenly pass away should consult with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, according to Mau. He said doing this will help to keep the rest of the flock healthy and prevent transmission to other farms or places where birds are located.
“Even our backyard chickens can interact with seasonal waterfowl and things like that,” Mau said. “We just want to make sure we’re keeping things as contained as possible (to) protect our dairy herds and poultry.”
Mau noted that RSV, which has been a problem in previous winter seasons, hasn’t been a factor, but that doesn’t mean it won’t make its presence known during the next few months.
lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com
