State health officials have issued a new report on the severity of the current flu season. According to Miranda Steele, spokesperson for the Kansas Department of Health, from September 1 through Monday of this week, the state recorded nearly 700 deaths in which flu or pneumonia was a factor. A significant increase over the past two flu seasons.  Hospitals in the area, including HaysMed, continue to post restrictions on those with flu-like symptoms or who are 12 years or age or younger from visiting the hospital.