Wisconsin health officials are still trying to find out why the flu season has gotten off to an early start. Nineteen cases have been confirmed, eight people have been hospitalized, and state officials say both numbers are four times higher than last year. State influenza surveillance coordinator Tom Haupt says his agency is submitting more samples to the U-S Centers for Disease Control — but they have not found any kind of a trend. Officials say people should get their annual flu shots as soon as possible. Haupt also says people need to practice good hygiene by covering their coughs, staying home when they don’t feel well, and get plenty of rest and liquids.
