Seems like people may have been passing along more than gifts and good tidings over the holiday season. Ohio health officials say that hospitalizations because of influenza have increased by 116%, and medical officials are also seeing the spread of norovirus across the United States. Norovirus causes predominantly nausea, vomiting, and some diarrhea; it is also highly contagious. Flu can be more serious with body aches, fever, cough, and other respiratory problems.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources says that bird flu may have been found in waterfowl in Auglaize and Mercer counties. They collected many dead wild birds to be tested for highly pathogenic avian flu, and they say that the virus is presumed to be found in eleven counties, including Auglaize and Mercer Counties. Canada geese, trumpeter swans, and mallards have been tested in the last few weeks.

This is the first confirmed case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu at a commercial facility in Ohio in 2024.

November 20, 2024, Press Release from Mercer Health: Mercer Health will be offering Preventative Healthcare 101, a free community education series developed to empower the community to live a healthier life. The first session will be held on Tuesday, December 10, at 6:00pm at Mercer County Community Hospital, 800 W. Main St., Coldwater, and will feature Dr. Wilfred Ellis and Michelle Ashman, CNP, with Mercer Health’s Disease Management Center. They will provide tips on how to prevent infectious diseases and lower extremity complications from conditions such as diabetes and chronic wounds.

It’s cold and flu season, and most of us will encounter a virus at some point. So, how does our immune system work to keep us healthy? According to Michaela Gack, PhD, Scientific Director of the Cleveland Clinic Florida Research and Innovation Center, once we fight off a virus, our immune system does its best to protect us from a second infection. “Whenever we have a second infection, these antibodies can be produced and thereby protect us but there are some limitations,” said Dr. Gack. “It only works if it’s the same virus or very similar virus.”

The CDC reports there’s been an increase in cases of ‘walking pneumonia’ among young children, which is sure to have some parents concerned. “Right now, we are seeing a lot of all different types of pneumonia. There’s bacterial, viral and what we call atypical pneumonia. Walking pneumonia usually refers to an atypical pneumonia, and we're certainly seeing a lot more of that, but walking pneumonia can be different things,” explained Camille Sabella, MD, pediatric infectious disease specialist for Cleveland Clinic Children’s. “It's usually not your standard bacterial pneumonia. Walking pneumonia is usually caused by something called mycoplasma pneumonia, but it can also be very similar to viral pneumonias as well.” 

600 runners or walkers took part in the 3rd annual I Pink I Can 5K at Mercy Health - St. Rita's on Saturday.  

Cases of colorectal cancer in young adults continue to rise across the United States, and Cleveland Clinic researchers are trying to understand why. Now, they may be one step closer. A recent study found what we eat is playing a role, similar to how it does for older adults with colorectal cancer.

LIMA, OH (WLIO) - The Lima Rotary Club heard an update on the fight against polio. 

Trending social media videos have raised awareness of adult ADHD, but experts warn against self-diagnosis and incorrect treatment