(St. Paul, MN) — Flu activity remains sporadic across the state as Minnesota begins a new year, according to the latest report from the state Health Department. Eight people were hospitalized with influenza during the week ending January 2nd — about the same number as the week prior — with 57 total hospitalized cases so far this season. There were no school outbreaks reported and only one outbreak in a long term care facility. The Health Department’s Karen Martin says this year’s flu season appears fairly normal, after relatively early peaks the past three seasons. Martin adds this year’s flu shot appears to be a good match for the strains circulating.