1st Flu Case Confirmed In Ohio

COLUMBUS, OH — As Ohio officials continue to battle COVID-19, the first case of the flu has been confirmed in the state.

This season's first flu case was confirmed in Putnam County on Wednesday, Gov. Mike DeWine announced. He urged Ohioans to get a flu shot before influenza sweeps through the Buckeye State.

"It is critically important that you get a flu vaccine this year and get it early. The flu shot is another layer of protection, helps prevent strain on our healthcare system and keeps our workforce healthy," DeWine said.

The flu could also complicate the state's response to COVID-19, DeWine and Dr. Patty Manning, chief-of-staff at Cincinnati Children's Hospital.

"It's more important this season than ever to get a flu shot," Manning said. "You don't want to be the parent of the first child who has both flu and COVID. We don't know what that is. We may have to learn, but we don't want to learn what that is."

Flu vaccines are available for anyone 6 months and older. Children between the ages of 6 months and 8 years should get two doses of the flu vaccine because they are at heightened risk. Families should consult a physician before getting two vaccines for their child.

Last week, to encourage his fellow Ohioans to get vaccines, DeWine and his wife Fran, and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, both received their vaccine shots during a live news conference on Thursday afternoon.

Ohioans who do not have a primary care physician can find a place to get a vaccine via VaccineFinder.org.