With the arrival of flu season, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is recommending that all Ohioans six months and older get a flu shot now. Flu activity usually begins to increase in October and can last as late as May, with cases typically peaking between December and February.
Every season the flu sickens millions of Americans, hospitalizes hundreds of thousands, and kills tens of thousands, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). During last year’s flu season, Ohio reported 9,851 flu-associated hospitalizations and four flu-associated pediatric deaths.
“Flu vaccination can help keep you from getting sick, missing work or school, and prevent flu-related hospitalization and death,” said ODH Director Amy Acton, MD, MPH. “Getting vaccinated is especially important for older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with long-term health conditions who are more vulnerable to serious flu complications.”
Symptoms of influenza can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. “If you get sick with the flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading it to others,” said Dr. Acton.
Although most people fully recover from the flu, some experience severe illness like pneumonia and respiratory failure, and the flu can sometimes be fatal. People who think that they may have the flu and are pregnant, have an underlying medical condition, or who are extremely ill should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Flu vaccines are offered by many doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies, and college health centers, as well as by many employers and some schools. While vaccination provides the greatest protection against the flu, other effective ways to avoid getting or spreading it include: washing your hands frequently or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer; covering coughs and sneezes with tissues or coughing or sneezing into your elbow; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; and staying home when sick until fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication.
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CDC recommends that healthcare providers administer prescription antiviral medication as a second line of defense as soon as possible to patients with confirmed or suspected flu who are hospitalized, have severe illness, or who may be at higher risk for flu complications.
While only moderate in severity, last year’s flu season was record-breaking in duration, with flu activity remaining high for 21 weeks. The United States had two different waves of flu, the first caused by H1N1 viruses and the second caused by H3N2 viruses. Flu vaccine manufacturers report that there will be plenty of vaccine for this year’s flu season. More information about influenza and flu activity in Ohio is available at www.flu.ohio.gov.
Richland Public Health recommends everyone age 6 months and older get an influenza (“flu”) vaccine. This recommendation follows Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
The Health Department will hold two flu vaccine clinics for Richland County residents:
- October 24 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Fairhaven Hall at the Richland County Fairgrounds (750 N. Home Road, Mansfield).
- October 30 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Corley Room (lower level) at Richland Public Health, 555 Lexington Ave., Mansfield. Please use the back lower entrance.
Both clinics are walk-in (no appointment needed). Flu vaccines are FREE (no co-pay) with most insurances accepted by Richland Public Health. Please bring your insurance card and a photo ID. Richland Public Health cost for flu vaccine varies depending on age and type of vaccine used. Cash, check, or credit card payment is acceptable if not billing insurance.
Richland Public Health flu vaccines will also be available by appointment and walk-in at the Public Health Clinic. Call 419-774-4700 to make an appointment. Richland Public Health Neighborhood Immunization Clinics will also provide flu vaccines for children 6-months through 18-years-old beginning in October. Call 419-774-8115 for dates, times, and locations.
For additional information about influenza visit our website www.richlandhealth.org, call our FLU Hotline at 419-774-4553, or talk with your pediatrician or family physician. For special home-bound services, call 419-774-4540.
