Flu puts 832 Ohioans in hospital in just one week
If there’s any doubt about flu season is in full swing, look no further than these numbers from the Ohio Department of Health: In just one week, 832 people were put in the hospital for the flu. That’s a 36% jump from the previous week.
Earlier in the week, an 11-year-old Lake County girl died from the flu. She’s the second child to die from influenza this season.
None of these deaths are related to the coronavirus that’s causing panic around the world. Ohio has no reported cases of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus.
According to the Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton, “While we must remain vigilant about the serious risk posed by the 2019 novel coronavirus, Ohio’s primary infectious disease threat of the moment is flu.”
This year to date there have been nearly 4,500 influenza-related hospitalizations in Ohio. The flu is especially dangerous for the elderly, small children, and those with health problems.
Flu symptoms include sore throat, fever, runny nose, cough, body aches, and tiredness. Dr. Acton encouraged those who haven’t yet got the flu shot to get one. “The best way to prevent getting the flu and passing it on to loved ones is to get a flu shot. It’s not too late.”
Flu is spread by coughing, sneezing, and close contact. To help prevent the spread of flu, you should stay home if you’re sick and avoid close contact with anyone who is ill. Make sure not to forget the standard precautions your mom told you about including covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough and frequently washing your hands.
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