Flu season has killed 15 people in South Dakota

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - State health officials say this year’s flu season has claimed the lives of 15 people in South Dakota.

The Argus Leader reports that the state’s Department of Health says this year’s flu is “widespread” and severe. The data from the department runs through Jan. 27 and flu season is considered to be from October through May.

Dr. Wendell Hoffman at Sanford Health says this season’s flu could be the worst since 2009.

State data show 238 people have been hospitalized with the flu this year, compared to 70 during the same timeframe last year.

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Information from: Argus Leader, http://www.argusleader.com