Influenza Increase

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Flu season is still among us with flu activity lasting until the month of May.

This year has not been as severe as last year at this point, but it is significantly beginning to increase. This time last year, 92 hospitalizations occurred for the flu in the local area. This year, there have been 29 for the same time period, although it is picking up severely.

“This year we’ve only had twenty nine, but that number’s doubled in the last two weeks. So it’s a good idea to review the flu. The flu is, as most people know, headache, fever, scratchy/sore throat, dry cough, body aches, and generally feeling bad,” said Zanesville-Muskingum County Medical Director, Dr. Jack Butterfield.

Dr. Butterfield also said the most effective treatment for the flu is prevention. He recommends that everyone over the age of six months should receive the flu shot.

“The flu shot in recent studies this year shows it to be about 60 percent effective. Now that should be better. But 60 percent is a lot better than zero if you don’t get the flu shot, and it is very effective. The flu can be very severe especially on people at risk,” he mentioned.

It is not too late to get a flu shot, you can get the vaccination at your primary care provider, local pharmacies, or the health department.