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.
From
To
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.
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.”
LIMA, OH (WLIO) - The Lima Rotary Club heard an update on the fight against polio.
Doctors urging parents to get their children the recommended vaccination to prevent the possible spread of preventable diseases.
Doctors urging people to get vaccinated for whooping cough as cases rise around the United States.
With more cases of the West Nile virus being reported here in the US, some people may be wondering how it spreads and what can be done to stop it. Dr. Cardona said that in most cases, a person who gets infected with the West Nile virus will not show any symptoms. However, those who do may get a fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. In rare instances, West Nile can be deadly. Dr. Cardona said, as of right now, there is no specific medication to treat it nor any vaccination available.
The United States is seeing 3x the amount of Pertussis, also known as Whooping Cough, this year over 2023.