SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - As we move deeper into the winter season, we approach peak cold and flu season in the Upper Midwest.

While it isn’t caused by colder weather, the changing temperatures make a large impact on our bodies’ immune systems. Further into winter, cases of seasonal illnesses, including the influenza virus, go up. The biggest spike in cases are typically seen in January and February.

“I would kind of anticipate that that’s going to be similar this year because we haven’t seen a ton of flu, yet,” said Physician Assistant and PA Program Assistant Professor at the University of South Dakota, Katie Kassin.

Kassin said it’s concerning to see influenza vaccine rates trending down in South Dakota , especially among youth, older folks or those with underlying heal

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