Local Monitoring Shows Increasing Flu Activity -- 1.7.2014
COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH – Press Release
FOR TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014
Contact: Jose Rodriguez (614) 645-6928 [email protected]
Health Commissioner Urges Residents to Get Protected from Flu
Local Monitoring Shows Increasing Flu Activity- Don’t Wait to get a Shot!
Influenza monitoring illustrates an increase in flu activity based on local flu indicators, mirroring those released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As a result, Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa Long strongly urges central Ohio residents to take action, get protected with a flu vaccine and practice common sense to minimize the spread of illness in our community. “I urge all residents to take advantage of the vaccine available in our community and get protected as soon as possible,” says Dr. Long. “There is no way to predict how severe the season will get, but a flu vaccine – while not 100 percent effective – is still your best protection against this serious and potentially complicated illness.”
Columbus Public Health tracks flu trends by monitoring local lab positive tests, hospitalizations, the number of emergency department/emergency room visits, over the counter cold medication sales, pediatric urgent care visits and school absenteeism.
Dr. Long adds the best way to protect yourself from the flu is by getting a flu shot, staying home if you are sick, covering your cough and washing your hands.
For more information, visit flu.gov or Columbus Public Health at publichealth.columbus.gov or on Facebook /Twitter/YouTube.
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