Flu cases are on the rise in Ohio, CDC says. Here are the counties who have it the worst.
Flu cases are on the rise in Ohio. But, Mahoning has not seen the level of activity of other counties in the state.
Since the start of flu season on Sunday, Sept. 29, Mahoning has only reported two flu-related hospitalizations.
While Mahoning Valley has had very little flu activity, the state’s reported hospitalized cases were enough to rank as some of the highest flu activity in the U.S.
The CDC measures the spread of flu by looking at weekly data of flu activity — the number of outpatient visits, positive lab tests and deaths due to flu — and ranking regions by their levels of activity.
On a scale of one to 13 with 13 being the very highest, Ohio is ranked a level 10 in flu activity for the week ending Dec. 21. Level 10 is classified as high activity. Washington D.C. and 11 other states reported level 10 activity: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Nebraska, New Jersey, South Carolina, Texas and Washington.
At level 13, Louisiana and Oregon have the highest flu activity in the U.S. Alabama and Tennessee were at a level 12.
Since the start of the flu season Sunday, Sept. 29, the northeast region of Ohio has had the highest number of reported flu-related hospitalizations.
The northeast region, which includes Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Lorain counties, reported 118 cases of flu hospitalization.
The east central region, which includes Mahoning, Ashland, Carroll, Columbiana, Holmes, Medina, Portage, Richland, Stark Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas and Wayne counties, reported 58 cases this season.
As of Friday, Dec. 21, Ohio has had 411 cases of flu-related hospitalizations this season, according to the Ohio Disease Reporting System.
Ohio counties with the highest number of reported influenza-associated hospitalizations
- Cuyahoga: 99
- Franklin: 37
Hamilton: 36
- Montgomery: 22
- Medina: 18
- Summit: 13
- Lucas: 13
- Fairfield: 13
- Butler: 11
- Scioto: 10
- Lake: 10
- Lorain: 8
- Lawrence: 8
- Hocking: 7
- Clermont: 7
- Portage: 6
- Warren: 5
- Erie: 5
- Stark: 4
- Muskingum: 4
- Miami: 4
- Licking: 4
- Gallia: 4
- Clark: 4
Counties with three reported cases of influenza-associated hospitalizations: Ashland, Belmont, Marion, Ottawa, Pickaway, Ross, Tuscarawas and Wayne.
Counties with two reported cases: Coshocton, Hancock, Mahoning, Pike, Putnum, Richland, Shelby and Trumball.
Counties with one reported case: Allen, Auglaize, Champaign, Columbiana, Darke, Delaware, Fayette, Geauga, Henry, Highland, Holmes, Meigs, Mercer, Morrow, Perry, Washington and Williams.
Counties with no reported cases: Adams, Ashtabula, Athens, Brown, Carroll, Clinton, Crawford, Defiance, Fulton, Greene, Guernsey, Hardin, Harrison, Huron, Jackson, Jefferson, Knox, Logan, Madison, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Paulding, Preble, Sandusky, Seneca, Union, Van Wert, Vinton and Wyandot.
Vaccination’s impact
In Ohio, 48.8% of adults and 55.7% of children under 18 were vaccinated for the 2022-2023 season. Ohio’s reported vaccinations coverage was lower than the state average at 43.7%.
This year, vaccinations are up to 46.8%, according to the CDC. Despite an increase in Ohio residents getting flu shots this year, reported flu cases are on the rise in the state.
Flu Symptoms
Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
- fever or feeling feverish/chills
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches
- headaches
- fatigue (tiredness)
- some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
Not everyone with flu will have a fever, but for those who do, the high temperatures can last for three to four days.
More information is available at Flu and COVID-19 symptoms.
The CDC reported this season’s flu shot reduced the risk of flu-related hospitalizations by 52%. For those who get sick despite getting a vaccine, the symptoms are far less severe.
The CDC recommends everyone ages six months and older should get annual flu vaccinations.
People at higher risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant people, those who suffer from certain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease, and people 65 years and older.
Flu vaccinations are available by injection, nasal spray or in high doses (for seniors). The state provides free vaccinations for children under 18 years of age and for underinsured adults. To find flu vaccine locations near you, visit vaccines.gov.