1.18.2017: Hospitalizations from Influenza are Increasing in Central Ohio.
Press
Release
January
18, 2017
Contact
Jose
Rodriguez
614-604-5025
[email protected]
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Hospitalizations from Influenza are Increasing in Central Ohio.
It’s Not too Late to Get a Flu Shot which are Still Readily
Available.
Over the last two weeks, hospitalizations from the flu have been
on the rise in central Ohio -- and have been the highest recorded this flu
season. In that time, there have been 31 people hospitalized.
“The number of hospitalizations over the last couple of weeks is a
grim reminder that the flu is a serious disease with life threatening
complications,” says Columbus Public Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa Long. “I
encourage all residents who have not been vaccinated to get a flu shot as soon
as possible because it is the best way to protect yourself and your family from
the flu.”
Flu shots are easy to get at local retailers, grocery stores,
pharmacies, doctors’ offices and public health departments. The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and
older get an annual flu vaccine every year.
Central
Ohio’s flu numbers are following state and national trends. Influenza-like
illness is now widespread throughout Ohio for the first time this flu season,
and flu activity is on the rise across the country with the trend expected
to continue for at least several more weeks.
In addition to offering the flu vaccine, Columbus Public Health
tracks flu patterns to help protect the public’s health. For more information
or to view weekly influenza surveillance reports, visit https://www.columbus.gov.
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