ASHLAND – It’s not just in your head. Flu season really is worse this year.
Flu is more widespread than in a typical year, and Ashland County is seeing more influenza-related hospitalizations than usual according to Jenna Gerwig, epidemiologist with the Ashland County-City Health Department.
A total of 18 people in Ashland County have been hospitalized for flu-related illness since Dec. 1, and 11 of those hospitalizations were in January, Gerwig said. A majority of those hospitalized were at least 65 years old.
Influenza is currently widespread in almost every state across the country, and in Ohio, there were 1,750 flu-related hospitalizations in the first week of January, according to the Ohio Department of Health. During the same week last year, there were 285 hospitalizations in the state.
While a flu-free season has been elusive for a number of Ashlanders, Gerwig said it’s not too late to reduce your chances of getting sick from the virus or spreading it to vulnerable friends and family.
Flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older and are available to the Ashland County-City Health Department by calling 419-282-4357.
Gerwig also shared the following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
