Mild Flu Season For Muskingum County

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- Muskingum County continues to see a decrease in reports of the flu and flu like symptoms.

In January, there were only 2 cases of the flu and just 1 case so far in February. There is also a decline in purchases of over-the -counter medicines and thermometers.

“Some of the theories is to why there is not as much flu activity is that we’ve have the H1N1 flu virus around for quite a number of years. And probably people have developed immunity to it. The match with the vaccine this year is very good for they types of flu that is circulating. And the third thing is we’ve given a lot of shots,” Muskingum County Health Department Dr. Whitacre.

The most frequently identified strain of the virus is H1N1. This strain which emerged in 2009 as swine flu has now become relatively common.

“Over 124,000,000 flu shots have been given. Which I think is wonderful. And with a good match it gives us what we call herd immunity. The people around you are protected and therefore they don’t spread it,” said Dr. Whitacre.

Dr. Whitacre said flu shots are still available.