Flu cases high locally, nationally

SANDUSKY — With cases of flu reaching new peaks nationally and also in Ohio, health experts said that even now, getting a flu shot is a good idea. "We are seeing a very late flu season this year, so it is not too late to get your flu shot. Flu season goes through the end of May," said Taylor Kula, director of the office of epidemiology and surveillance for the Erie County Health Department. Flu season goes through May, and the health department will offer flu shots until June 30, Kula said. "We are still highly recommending individuals get this season's flu vaccine if they have not received it yet due to the high number of cases we are seeing in the county," Kula said. "We have several progarms in place to cover the cost of the flu vaccine if the patient does not have insurance or if insurance does not cover vaccines. No one is turned away due to inability to pay." People can learn more about the health department's services and/or make an appointment by visiting eriecohealthohio.com/ or calling 419-626-5623. Flu cases getting worse The state health department currently rates flu activity in Ohio as "very high" and published several indicators suggesting that flu cases continue to get worse in Ohio. For example, as of late last week, hospitalizations for flu in Ohio reached 1,965, up about 43% from the previous week. Outpatient visits jumped about 35% over one week. Epidemiologist Katelyn Jetelina reported in her "Your Local Epidemiologist" Substack newsletter that "influenza-like illnesses" — such as a fever, cough or runny nose — have reached heights not seen since the 1990s. "Flu hospitalization rates are higher so far this season than at the same time during each of the past 15 years. And, interestingly, this is the first winter that flu deaths passed Covid-19 deaths," Jetelina wrote. Jetelina also wrote that she also thinks people should get a flu shot if they haven't already. "There's a lot we can do about flu — it's not too late to get the vaccine, as flu season typically has a long tail. Masks and ventilation/filtration help prevent spread. Tamiflu can also help once you do have symptoms, but it needs to be taken within 48 hours," she wrote.