ODH: Flu activity rising among Ohioans

Submitted information

The Ohio Department of Health issued a news release on December 8 about rising flu activity, and the geographic spread being elevated to “regional.”

Flu activity in Ohio has now been elevated to “widespread,” the highest level. During last year’s flu season, flu activity in Ohio didn’t reach “widespread” geographic spread until mid-January.

During the week ending December 9 (most recent data available), there were 144 new flu-associated hospitalizations in Ohio, compared to 92 the week prior, and 29 during the same week last year. So far this flu season, there have been 401 flu-associated hospitalizations.

New flu-associated hospitalizations continue to trend above the five-year average (see below).

The Ohio Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone six months and older get a flu shot as soon as possible.  It is not too late to get a flu shot. Vaccination   is the best protection against seasonable flu viruses.