Flu activity generally first increases in children and then spreads to older age groups. While flu season ranges from October through early May, flu activity typically peaks between December and February. Erie County is currently experiencing a significant increase in hospitalizations attributed to influenza. Both Influenza A and Influenza B have resulted in these hospitalizations.
Erie County Flu Season 2023- 2024
The State of Ohio does not require physicians to report every positive flu test to local health departments. However, they are required to report any individual that tests positive for flu and requires hospitalization. To combat this barrier, the Erie County Health
Department monitors ER visits and is alerted when visits for flu-like symptoms surpass the typical threshold. School absenteeism is monitored as well.
Currently, Erie County has had a total of 44 hospitalizations associated with Influenza for the 2023- 2024 flu season. Of the 44 hospitalizations, 15 occurred within two weeks. Only 6 of the 44 hospitalizations have had the most recent seasonal influenza vaccine.
In the 2022- 2023 season, Erie County had a total of 94 influenza associated hospitalizations. Increased ER visits for fever, headache, rash, and nausea have already been reported during the season as well.
Individuals at High Risk of Flu Complications
Certain individuals are at a higher risk of developing flu complications making flu vaccinations especially important. These health and age factors that are known to increase a person’s risk of getting severe flu complications include:
o Adults 65 years and older
o Children younger than 2 years old
o People with immunocompromised conditions
o Pregnant women
Prevention
The most recent seasonal influenza vaccine is the best form of protection against the influenza virus. Other prevention measures to combat the virus include social distancing when possible, washing hands frequently, covering your cough, disinfecting high-touch
surfaces, staying home when sick, and avoiding contact with people who are ill.
Vaccination
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated each year, ideally by the end of October. Flu vaccination has been proven to reduce flu illnesses, visits to doctor’s offices, missed work and school due to flu, as well as severe symptoms, and flu
hospitalizations and deaths. Vaccination is our most effective form of prevention.
It is critical our community respond and be proactive to prevent an outbreak of several respiratory viruses circulating already this year among children. Vaccines are available at eight convenient locations of the Erie County Health Department/ Erie County Community
Health Center. To schedule an appointment, call central scheduling at 419-626-5623 ext. 5174. Walk-In/ Same day appointments and evening hours are available. More information about these diseases can be found on the CDC website.
Peter Schade, MPH, REHS
Health Commissioner
Erie County Health Department
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