FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

DOUGLAS COUNTY, WI - Twenty-six hospitalizations and four flu–related deaths in Wisconsin have prompted health officials to conclude that this year’s flu season could be more severe than in previous years.

"Usually in the Northland, the peak for seasonal flu activity is January or February so this coming in early December is a little early," said Dr. Timothy Burke, infectious disease specialist at Essentia Health.

Dr. Burke, is also Essentia Health’s East Region Epidemiologist. He says when a virus is similar to one that's spread in the past; people tend to be better protected. But, if a virus is new to a population the chances for the disease to spread greatly increase.

"If the virus is different in substantial ways than there isn't as much immunity or protection in the population," said Burke.

In Douglas County, the virus hasn't seemed to take hold yet. The county hasn't reported any cases of influenza, but says the state has notified them to encourage people to get vaccinated.

"The message from the state is really that the flu vaccine is the most important way to prevent disease," said Rachel Johnson, public health nurse at Douglas County Health and Human Services.

Those people with the highest risk of coming down with the flu are the young, the elderly and pregnant women, but health officials say no matter your health, there's still a chance you could get infected.

Burke said, "Influenza can be devastating, even for young, healthy people with robust immune systems."

Besides getting the flu vaccine, doctors recommend covering your mouth when coughing and a healthy dose of hand washing.

There is also a prescription treatment available, called Tamiflu, but doctors say that's usually only effective when taken within 48 hours of contracting flu–like symptoms.