Flu cases are rising in Allen County, prompting health officials and hospitals to urge residents to get vaccinated and take precautions, while Mercy Health St. Rita's enforces visitation restrictions due to the surge.
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Doctors say it is important to know what you have to not only treat the illness, but to also know how long it could be hanging around.
The Centers for Disease Control has reduced Ohio's flu activity status from very high to high as case numbers continue to drop. The Ohio Health Department says flu-related hospitalizations and outpatient visits have dropped by around 24% this past week. But with the Easter holiday this weekend, health officials are reminding people that if you don't feel well, stay home.
Allen County, OH (WLIO) - Allen County Public Health is reporting an increase in both COVID and Flu cases in the area. Recent numbers show tha…
Fischer says that in the last week the state saw more than 1,000 influenza hospitalizations. That is a number normally seen in February at the height of flu season. He just urges people to take precautions while visiting family and friends to limit the spread of any type of illness.
If you are having any symptoms such as aches, shortness of breath, or coughing, you should avoid holiday gatherings to prevent the spread of illness to your friends and family. Doctors say continuing to practice hand washing and social distancing like at the height of the pandemic is the best way to not catch viruses.
If you haven't gotten your flu shot yet, now is the time to do so.
According to the CDC, so far this season, there have been over 38,000 hospitalizations and 2,100 deaths from the flu and that number continues to climb. Infectious disease specialists say the southern hemisphere is often a predictor of what kind of flu season we will have here in the United States, and so far it's been pretty active. Younger people are also being impacted more than usual. Flu symptoms can vary widely, including everything from fever, cough, sore through, runny nose, to headaches, body aches, and fatigue.
Most people will usually feel better on their own within a week, but some may develop complications that could lead to hospitalization or even death. Over-the-counter medications and prescription antiviral drugs are available to help with treatment. However, the best defense in fighting the flu is getting vaccinated.
They will be visiting five different locations starting this Thursday and ending next Tuesday to administer shots during the walk-in clinics. These clinics are on top of their regularly scheduled clinics every Tuesday at the health department. You will need to bring your COVID card or your insurance card depending on which shot you are getting. Officials hope people take advantage of the clinics to make sure their holidays are healthier.
The organization is urging blood and platelet donors to give now in order to fight against a severe shortage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is predicting a serious spread of flu this year and is already reporting spikes in cases in several states. Allen County Public Health is also urging residents to practice more caution in order to avoid a serious spread in the local area.