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“While we must remain vigilant about the serious risk posed by the 2019 novel coronavirus, Ohio’s primary infectious disease threat of the moment is flu,” said Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton, who called the current flu hospitalization numbers “deeply concerning.”
The health department stated that Ohio has recorded 4,465 total influenza-associated hospitalizations for the 2019-2020 season, while Ohio currently has no confirmed cases of 2019 novel coronavirus.
From Jan. 26 to Feb. 1, a total of 832 people were newly hospitalized in Ohio. This marks an increase of more than 36% over the previous week of flu reporting, the state reported.
This includes in Montgomery County, where 52 new hospitalizations were reported last week, bringing the county’s total for the season to 505 hospitalizations as of Feb. 2, according to state data.
In Butler County, 15 new hospitalizations were reported last week, bringing the county’s total for the season to 125 hospitalizations as of Feb. 2, according to state data. In Clark County, 16 new hospitalizations were reported last week, bringing the county’s total for the season to 102.
Earlier this week, an 11-year-old girl from Lake County died from the flu, the second Ohio child to die this flu season. Ohio’s first pediatric flu death this season claimed a 16-year-old girl from Cuyahoga County.
Adult flu deaths are not reported.
While the flu can become severe for anyone, it is especially dangerous for the very young and elderly, those with compromised or weakened immune systems, those with chronic health conditions, and pregnant women.
The flu also led to significant absences from some area schools in the past week. Centerville City Schools reported about 1,100 of its 8,400 students were out on one day. Franklin City Schools closed for two days this week.
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Flu spreads from person to person via droplets from coughing, sneezing, or close contact. Symptoms typically start one to four days after a person is exposed. Those symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, and tiredness.
“The best way to prevent getting the flu and passing it on to loved ones is to get a flu shot,” Acton said. “It’s not too late.”
Flu vaccines are available by appointment through Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County at the Reibold Building at 117 S. Main St. Call 937-225-5700 to make an appointment. Pharmacies, doctors, retail clinics and some work places also have flu shots available.
The flu shot is recommended for everyone older than six months. If you have had problems with the flu shot before, talk to your medical provider about options available that might not cause problems for you. Because flu season continues through May, there is still time to get the vaccine.
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You also can help prevent the spread of the flu and other infectious diseases by taking these precautions:
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth after touching objects – this is how germs are spread.
• Practice good habits like disinfecting surfaces, getting plenty of sleep, and managing stress.
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