Flu Is Spreading Fast in Minnesota — These Everyday Items Can Help You Get Through It

If it seems like everyone around you is sick, you aren't imagining it.  Everyone at my house, expect me, has been coughing and feeling absolutely horrible off and on for the past few weeks.  I thought that maybe my family just caught a bug and it was contained to our four walls but just learned that as of December 31st, about 2,000 hospitalizations already happened in Minnesota.  If you aren't up on the latests flu stats - this is a sharp increase and shows that the flu is very active right now.

READ MORE: Avoid These 11 Items At Dollar Stores in Minnesota

ALERT: Sharp Rise of Flu Activity in Minnesota Right Now

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the flu is hitting multiple areas of our state.  In addition to the nearly 2,000 hospitalizations, 176 schools in Minnesota have had flu outbreaks.  31 long-term care facilities in Minnesota have also experienced outbreaks.

Right now, the most common strain of influenza appearing is Influenza A, also known as H3N2.  According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms to watch out for in influenza A are the following:

"Symptoms of the flu such as a sore throat and a runny or stuffy nose are common. You may also get these symptoms with other illness such as a cold. But colds tend to start slowly, and the flu tends to come on quickly, within two or three days after you come in contact with the virus. And while a cold can be miserable, you usually feel much worse with the flu."

20 Essential Items Minnesotans Should Have On Hand During Flu Season

As soon as I heard the first cough sputter from one of my kids the other day, I was on high alert.  We have someone in our house who is immunocompromised so staying vigilant to keep the germs away is a huge priority.

Besides spraying Lysol everyone, here are 20 other essentials that everyone in Minnesota should stock up on so they are prepared for all the sickness that is hitting the Land of 10,000 Lakes.