Flu widespread in Ohio

January 19, 2017

Site Staff,

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Warning, the flu is now widespread across Ohio.

The Ohio Department of Health released a warning that the flu is spreading throughout Ohio and during the first week of January there were 287 flu hospitalizations. However, Doctor Vicki Whitacre from Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department says there have only been four flu hospitalizations during the flu season.

“Here locally we’re lagging behind. We currently in southeastern Ohio, our southeastern region, have the lowest number of hospitalizations. Which so far has been four and we have the lowest reported positives for flu. 17

Doctor Whitacre says the flu is spreading all around our region and that it’s just a matter of time before we’ll be seeing the flu in southeastern Ohio. There is still time to get the vaccine and Doctor Whitacre insists that the vaccination will be the best prevention for influenza.

“It is also a pretty good match this year it looks like. We can’t be exactly sure because there’s not that many cases, but the ones they are typing; it is a good match. 10

The Ohio Department of Health states the symptoms of influenza can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Doctor Whitacre encourages people who have these symptoms and also dehydration caused by these symptoms to see a Physician immediately.

Immunization Action Coalition also has released emergency warning signs for children, teens, and adults with influenza.

I.A.C. shared, children and teens who show the following symptoms need to be taken to the emergency room.