In the last month, two people have died due to flu in Clark County as flu-associated hospitalizations have increased in Ohio.
In Clark County, the public health officials have examined 69 cases of influenza this flu season, according to the epidemiologist Anna Jean Petroff. She said both the victims who died from the influenza were elderly; the first died at the end of January and the second died at the beginning of February.
According to the Champaign County Health District Commissioner, Gabe Jones, this flu season, three people have been hospitalized; however, no deaths have been reported yet.
Charles Patterson, the Clark County Health District Commissioner, said, “The best way to prevent spreading the virus is by being responsible and staying home when sick. If you cough or sneeze, you can easily spread that to other individuals. If you are unable to control the symptoms and you have shortness of breath, you need to follow up with your physician immediately.”
Across Ohio, there were 534 new hospitalizations due to the flu between February 10 and February 16. In Ohio, in the same period last year, less than half of the 1,135 reported flu. However, for the first time in Ohio, new flu hospitalizations have been trending above the five-year average this flu season, which usually runs from October to May.
The medical director of Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Clint Koenig, said, “Flu vaccination is the safest and most effective way to prevent the flu, which can lead to missed work and school, and cause other serious health complications. Pregnant women, young children and people who already have serious medical conditions are especially at risk for serious complications from the flu.”
So far, this flu season, ODH has reported 3,178 flu hospitalizations. Last year, during the same period, ODH had reported 11,915 flu hospitalizations, which was the highest in five years. The numbers were prompted due to an early start, early peak, and long flu season, said health officials of ODH.
Four pediatric deaths were reported in the state affected by the flu, including one child from Dayton, a city in southwest Ohio.
Ohio public health officials leave no stone unturned when it comes to encouraging vaccinations to prevent or slow down the spread of the virus. Flu is responsible not only for missed school and work but also death. ODH also recommends taking precautionary measures such as washing hands and avoiding close contact.
