Flu death toll in Minn. rises to 176

Minnesota's death toll from influenza climbed to 176, including seven more deaths that were confirmed during week 10 of the flu season that ended last Saturday.

The deaths are the most the state has recorded in at least five flu seasons. Comparisons before that time are limited due to a change in the way the Minnesota Department of Health calculates flu deaths.

The majority of this season's flu deaths have been among elderly people who have been hit especially hard by the H3N2 A strain of the flu. However in the past week, health officials say the B strain of the flu has caused more illness in Minnesota. That mirrors a trend seen nationally among flu cases in recent weeks.

Flu illnesses continue to decrease; last week 37 people were hospitalized. One long-term care facility reported a flu outbreak, as did two schools.