KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Flu season has arrived in East Tennessee, bringing a noticeable increase in flu-like symptoms across the region. According to the Tennessee Department of Health, outpatient visits for flu-like illnesses rose from 5.8% to 8.2% in the past week. Tennessee is now considered a very high-risk state for flu-like symptoms.
Dr. Corinne Tandy, from the Knox County Health Department, cases are also starting to rise in the county. While the uptick might seem concerning, health professionals said it’s in line with what’s expected during flu season.
“A lot of the time, those flu strains and levels sort of travel regionally,” said Tandy. “It’s not necessarily something that’s different about Tennessee.”…