Flu still a big problem in Ohio

CELINA - More people are reporting flu-like symptoms in Ohio than any other state in the nation, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Ohio is just one of four states with "very high" activity levels of influenza, reports the CDC. The other states with the high influenza levels include Michigan, Nebraska and New Mexico.    Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus, Mercer County Health District epidemiologist Deb Scheer said.

"It's basically going to affect your nose, throat and sometimes the lungs," she said. "For some people it can be mild and for people at higher risk - for those under five and those over 65 - if they have medical conditions, it can be more severe."

Symptoms for the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea, per the CDC.

Hospitalizations for the flu are also above average in Ohio. The CDC reported 927 confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations in the state during the week of March 2, which soared above Ohio's five-year average of 576.

Auglaize County has reported 40 influenza-associated hospitalizations, and Mercer County has reported 31 influenza-associated hospitalizations during the 2023-24 flu season, per the Ohio Department of Health.

Scheer attributed the state's high rates of flu to a lack of immunization and mental and physical exhaustion to COVID-19 related restrictions.

"People need to come in and get their flu shot," Scheer said. "That's why people need to be vaccinated and be aware."

Scheer said during the early COVID-19 period, "everybody was wearing masks, staying home, being very cautious to take those extra preventative steps. I feel that maybe people are a little bit more comfortable (now), maybe not following the everyday prevention actions that they can take."

Ohio is ranked 31 out of 50 states for flu immunizations with just 44.3% of adults reporting have received a seasonal flu vaccine in the past year, per https://www.americashealthrankings.org.

As of Feb. 10, an estimated 37.2 million doses were administered in retail pharmacies in the United States, per the CDC. As of Feb. 10, a total of 6.4 million fewer doses were administered in retail pharmacies and physicians' medical offices compared with the same time in Feb. 2023.

But it's not too late to get vaccinated, Scheer added. Annual flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older in the U.S. About half of eligible kids and just under half of adults got flu shots in the last several months, according to CDC data.

"The flu vaccine is safe," she said. "If you have any questions or any health problems, definitely call your healthcare provider or us (the health district) and we'll be glad to talk you through it and see what your issues or questions might be."

The vaccines were around 40% effective in preventing adults from getting sick enough from the flu that they had to go to a doctor's office, clinic or hospital, health officials said during a CDC vaccines meeting last month. Children who were vaccinated were roughly 60% less likely to get treatment at a doctor's office or hospital, CDC officials said.

Officials generally are pleased if a flu vaccine is 40% to 60% effective.

In addition to immunizations, Ohioans should be aware of flu symptoms and take everyday preventative actions, Scheer continued.

"Avoid close contact with people who are sick," she said. "If you are ill, stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever's gone without fever reducing medication. (If) you do need to seek medical care, let them know what symptoms you're having and take the precautions."

For more information on immunizations, go to mchdohio.org/health-services/immunizations/ or contact the Mercer County Health District at 419-586-3251.

- Associated Press contributed to this report.