Flu Causes 257 Hospitalizations In Ohio This Year So Far

STRONGSVILLE, OH — The flu is hitting Ohio harder in 2017 than it did last year. During the week that ended Dec. 2, there were 92 flu-related hospitalizations in Ohio. That brings this year's flu season hospitalizations total to 257. This year's flu vaccine has been "significantly less effective" than average, according to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).

In 2016, there were 19 flu-related hospitalizations during the same week, and 83 hospitalizations for the season. This year's hospitalizations are also above the state's five-year average for flu incidents. Flu season starts in October and can last until May, the ODH said. Flu sicknesses peak between December and February.

To determine the effectiveness of the flu vaccine, health departments, including the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC) use surveillance data from Australia, where flu season is winding down. The data shows this year's vaccine has been significantly less effective against A(H3N2), a circulating flu virus strain.

“No vaccine is 100 percent effective but there are many reasons to get a flu vaccination,” said Dr. Clint Koenig, medical director of the ODH. “Flu vaccination prevents millions of illnesses and tens of thousands of flu-related hospitalizations each year in the U.S. A study published earlier this year in a pediatric journal shows that flu vaccination can significantly reduce a child’s risk of dying from influenza.”

To find a flu shot vaccination clinic near you, click here.

The flu can cause serious complications for pregnant women and young children, Koenig said. He suggests that all women who are or expect to be pregnant, get a flu shot.

Despite the risks, the CDC says that only about one out of three pregnant women have gotten a flu vaccine this year. Roughly three out of five people did not get vaccinated this flu season.

Flu shots take about two weeks to be fully effective.

Besides getting a vaccine, people should also follow some basic tips to prevent spreading the flu:

• Wash your hand frequently, using an alcohol-based sanitizer
• Cover all coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing or sneezing into your elbow
• Avoid touching your eyes, hands, nose or mouth
• Stay home when you're sick, at least until your fever has been broken for 24-hours (without the aid of medication)

Photo from Shutterstock