Print edition: 
TOPEKA — The percentage of people reporting flulike symptoms at outpatient clinics has declined slightly but is still twice the number of reports normally seen this time of year, Kansas health officials say.
Usually about 2 percent of patients at outpatient clinics have flulike symptoms at this time of year, but clinics reported that 5.6 percent of their patients last week had flulike symptoms, said state epidemiologist Charlie Hunt.
Despite a small decline from the previous two weeks, the number is "still more than twice the normal level of flu activity and is unprecedented at this time of year," Hunt said.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday released its most recent weekly report on the impact of influenza-like illness in Kansas.
With the swine flu virus circulating across the state, flu activity in Kansas remains extremely high, said Mike Heideman, department spokesman.
The health department monitors flu viruses all year and uses the data to establish a baseline of a "normal" level of flu activity, Heideman said.
A normal rate of absenteeism at the state's schools is 5 percent. But Hunt said that during the first week of November, absenteeism rates of 10 percent or higher were reported by 16 percent of the state's high schools, 15 percent of middle schools and 11 percent of elementary schools.
The health department worked with state education officials to provide guidance to schools on reducing the spread of swine flu and other flu viruses, Heideman said.
Although serious complications are more likely for people with underlying chronic health conditions, the swine flu virus has caused serious complications and death among those without such factors, the health department said. And it is hitting adolescents and young adults, which is unlike a typical seasonal flu virus.
—Associated Press
