LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — The message from local health officials is clear: If you are sick, stay home.
The Allen County Board of Health, Mercy Health-St. Rita’s, and Lima Memorial Health System are urging residents to take precautions as cold and flu season intensifies. According to the health department, Allen, Auglaize, and Putnam counties are experiencing near-record numbers of people seeking medical care for Influenza A.
Both hospitals were prepared for the influx after Allen County Public Health received testing data from the city of Lima’s utilities department, which monitors wastewater for illness. Recent data showed a 500% increase in flu cases.
“It gives them a little heads-up of what could be coming,” said Brandon Fischer, Allen County health commissioner. “So, fortunately for us, we had about a two-day warning of you're seeing an increase in influenza in Lima, and hospitals really started to feel that impact about two days after. That’s one of those great resources that came out of the pandemic that can help us identify illness in the community before it really has an impact on health care facilities.”
PHOTO: Man coughing into tissue, Photo Date: undated
In January, 61 people were hospitalized for Influenza A. As of Tuesday’s briefing, more than 30 people had been hospitalized so far in February. Fischer believes the number of hospitalizations is on track to surpass January’s total by mid-February.
Health officials urge residents to take symptoms seriously and prevent the flu’s spread by washing hands frequently, getting adequate rest, and staying home when sick. However, officials note they only receive data on individuals ill enough to require hospitalization, making it difficult to measure the actual number of flu cases in the community as many people self-medicate at home.
As flu cases continue to rise, hospitals are urging visitors to exercise caution when entering their facilities.
Mercer County Community Hospital in Coldwater has implemented visitor restrictions as a precautionary measure. Under the new guidelines, visitors under the age of 14 are not permitted, except for siblings visiting the Childbirth Center.
Adult patients are allowed one visitor at a time. Additionally, individuals experiencing cold or flu symptoms—such as fever, cough, or sore throat—who are not seeking treatment are asked to refrain from visiting the hospital.
Hospital officials emphasize the importance of these measures in protecting patients, staff, and the community during flu season.
Mercer Health issues Visitor Restrictions due to Influenza
February 5, 2025, Press Release from Mercer Health: The state of Ohio is experiencing widespread influenza. At Mercer Health, we are seeing influenza patients in our outpatient areas, as well as patients that have been admitted for care and treatment related to influenza. As a precaution, we are limiting visitors at Mercer County Community Hospital effective February 5, 2025.
- Mercer County Community Hospital is restricting all visitors under the age of 14, except siblings visiting the Childbirth Center.
- Adult patients are permitted one visitor at a time.
- If you are exhibiting signs of cold or flu symptoms (e.g. fever, cough, sore throat) and are not seeking treatment, we kindly ask that you do not visit.
- In addition, we request patients in our outpatient clinics and provider offices limit the accompaniment of additional individuals during appointments.
We encourage those who are sick and need medical care to seek treatment.
These restrictions are implemented to protect our patients, especially those with compromised immune systems from further illness, protect visitors from exposure to influenza, and to help keep our staff healthy so we may continue to provide quality care for our patients. Our visiting restrictions will remain in place to protect our staff and community until the number of influenza cases in Mercer County and the surrounding areas decrease. For the most current information, please visit www.mercer-health.com.
Flu Cases on the Rise in Lima: Area Hospitals, Health Departments Urge Community to Assist in Prevention Measures, Seek Appropriate Levels of Care
Press Release written and provided by Bon Secours Mercy Health on behalf of Mercy Health – Lima, Lima Memorial Health System, Allen County Public Health, Auglaize Health and Putnam County Health Departments: Lima, OH (Feb. 5, 2025) — Area hospital and health system leaders, as well as public health officials are reporting a significant increase in flu cases across Lima and the surrounding communities. As flu season reaches peak levels, Mercy Health – Lima, Lima Memorial Health System, Allen County Public Health, Auglaize Health and Putnam County Health Departments have come together to urge the community to take preventive measures and seek appropriate care based on symptom severity to ensure the best possible health outcomes for our residents while also preventing overwhelming our health care facilities.
“As we are seeing exceptionally high cases of Influenza A and other respiratory illnesses, it’s crucial for residents to take flu symptoms seriously and seek care at the appropriate level so we are able to continue delivering the right level of care at the right time, without overloading our systems,” said Matt Owens, MD, chief clinical officer, Mercy Health - Lima. “While we are experiencing record numbers of patients across our emergency departments, urgent cares, and primary care offices, we remain committed to providing the absolute best care for our community. We appreciate your patience as you may experience longer than usual wait times during peak season.”
Symptoms of flu include fever and respiratory illness symptoms such as cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, chills, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. The severity of symptoms should help you decide where to seek the appropriate level of care. Please do not hesitate to call your provider or seek treatment if your symptoms do not resolve or worsen.
When to Seek Medical Care
- For mild flu symptoms, such as fever, cough, congestion, and body aches, residents are encouraged to contact their primary care provider, visit an urgent care center, or use virtual care services.
- For severe symptoms, including difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, or high fever that does not respond to medication, individuals should seek immediate care at an emergency department.
- High-risk individuals, such as young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions, should consult with their healthcare provider at the first sign of illness.
Preventative Measures
- Getting an annual flu vaccine remains the most effective way to prevent severe illness.
- Practice frequent handwashing and take advantage of hand sanitizer stations across the community.
- Staying home from school, work, or crowded gatherings when sick.
- Refraining from visiting loved ones in the hospital or a long-term care facility when displaying flu-like symptoms.
- Consider masking when in an indoor setting if experiencing symptoms.
“By working together, we can reduce the strain on emergency services and ensure that everyone receives timely and effective treatment,” said Susan Kaufman, MD, vice president and chief medical officer, Lima Memorial Health System. “With a significant increase in patients, our health care teams are working tirelessly to meet the growing demand. We encourage the community to seek the appropriate level of care to help us manage resources effectively and continue providing high-quality care for all.”
For more information about flu prevention, symptoms, and treatment, visit https://odh.ohio.gov/media-center/feature-stories/protect-yourself-against-respiratory-viruses
