Influenza Update

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

As of last week, there were 11 documented cases of the flu in Muskingum County. Only two of the patients were vaccinated. Last year, 92 hospitalizations regarding the flu occurred in the local area, this year in the same time period the area has seen up to 55. Activity has been picking up rapidly in the last week.

“We’ve also noticed in the last two weeks, the number of flu related hospitalizations have increased by almost 100 percent, so that just tells us we’re beginning to see a lot more people get the flu,” said Epidemiologist, Diana Zaato.

Steps you can take in preventing the flu is washing your hands, coughing into your sleeve, staying home if you think you have the flu, and keeping tissues handy. But the single best way to prevent it is through vaccination, whether it’s with the “flu shot” or the nasal spray vaccine.

“One, getting the vaccination. It’s not too late to get it. It is recommended that everybody over the age of six months get the flu shot. You can either get the shot or the nasal mist, both are effective,” added Zaato.

The flu is usually spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing. If you believe you have any symptoms of the flu, such as fever, coughing, body aches, or nasal congestion; contact your immediate healthcare provider.