Flu Still Widespread in Cuyahoga County

Ohio is in the midst of an “unusually” active influenza season, the Ohio Department of Health reports. 

The Cuyahoga County Board of Health tracks influenza activity by the week. According to the most recent report, which ended on Jan. 5, flu activity in the county is still “widespread,” but the figures look a bit better than the last week of 2013.

Flu-related hospitalizations were down a bit after a sharp increase the week ending Dec. 28, 2012. The latest figues show 59 flu-related hospitalizations the week ending Jan. 5; the week of Dec. 28, there were 134, and the week before, there were 73. 

About 4 percent of all emergency department visits were for fever or flu symptoms, down from 4.9 percent the week before. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu activity continues to climb across the country, and most areas are experiencing high levels of flu or flu-type illness. This season is already approaching what was the peak of moderately severe seasons of the past.

One Ohio child has died from the flu so far this year, the Ohio Department of Health reports. There were no pediatric deaths reported last season. 

For some tips on protecting yourself from the flu from an area doctor—and for where to find flu shots in Shaker Heights — check out this article.