A four-year-old boy is the first child to die from the flu in Ohio. The Ohio Department of Health has confirmed this death. They stated that there have been 1,750 pediatric flu cases reported in the state during this flu season. There have been 3,854 flu hospitalizations reported in Ohio.
Ohio’s current flu season is following a trend that is similar to the state’s 2014 to 2015 season. The Center for Disease Control stated that flu activity peaked during the first week of January. Forty-six states now have widespread flu activity. Flu season typically starts in October and ends in May. However, flu cases typically peak between December and February.
Dr. Clint Koenig is the medical director of the Ohio Department of Health. He stated that the flu is unpredictable. It is impossible to predict how bad a flu season will be. He believes that the best thing that people can do to prevent the flu is get vaccinated. If you do get the flu, then the flu shot can reduce the severity of your illness. A flu shot can also reduce a child’s chance of dying from the flu.
You can get the flu shot at most pharmacies. Ohio does not have a flu shot shortage. Chills, body aches, sore throat, coughing and fever are some of the symptoms that the flu can cause. You can also protect yourself by washing your hands, sneezing or coughing into your elbow, staying home when you are sick and not touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that healthcare providers prescribe antiviral drugs to treat the flu. They are most effective if they are taken within the first two days of contracting the illness. Antiviral drugs can prevent flu complications. They can also reduce the symptoms.