Three South Dakotans have died from a seasonal outbreak of Influenza A that got a lot worse the past week.

Two of the people were from Minnehaha County and one was from Hutchinson County. Two of them were over 65 and one was a 40-year old Hartford man.

The state Health Department released a summary Friday showing 281 confirmed cases in the state and 121 hospitalizations this season. The spread of the disease remains at "widespread," the highest level.

State epidemiologist Dr. Lon Kightlinger says it's important to take precautions like washing hands because this year's strain is a strong one.

He says even people not in a high-risk category who come down with the flu would likely benefit from anti-viral, prescription drugs, instead of waiting for the virus to go away without medication.

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