Flu season continues

LOGAN - Hocking County is experiencing the flu season in full swing. Only two cases of influenza have been severe enough to warrant a stay in the Hocking Valley Community Hospital, but it is clear that the county has caught the flu.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Ohio has been experiencing what is classified as "widespread activity" since early January of this year.

The CDC defines widespread activity as "outbreaks of influenza or increases in influenza-like illnesses (ILI cases) with recent laboratory-confirmed influenza in at least half the regions of the state with recent laboratory evidence of influenza in the state."

Compared to this time last year, there has been a significant increase in influenza cases. Last year, Ohio was listed as experiencing "local activity", or an outbreak in a single region.

The Hocking County Health Department also tracks the local severity of the flu season by monitoring absenteeism from the beginning of November through, typically, the beginning of March. Last week witnessed the first real dip in attendance this season.

The Logan-Hocking School District had an 88 to 92 percent attendance rate last week, which mirrored the change found by the Health Department. The schools have noted a number of absences each week due to illness since the beginning of flu season, but these numbers are not exclusively due to the influenza virus, but include other viral and bacterial infections, like strep, which is also common this time of year.

Flu shots are made available in October, and have been given as late as April in the past; the length of availability depends on the length and severity of the season. Although the Health Department has administered 2,200 to 2,300 vaccinations, and local pharmacies also administered shots, anyone can get the flu. However, receiving the vaccine decreases both the severity and the chance of catching the virus.

Most people who contract influenza will feel the effects anywhere from a few days to two weeks.

There is, however, a chance for complications to develop and manifest in sinus and ear infections, bronchitis, or pneumonia. These complications may be worse for individuals who suffer from chronic health problems, such as asthma or heart conditions.

These more serious problems can occur at any time while sick with the flu, but there are certain groups that are more susceptible to developing similar complications. This includes young children, pregnant women, people 65 years and older, and, again, those with chronic medical conditions.

The best way to fight off illness is prevention. The CDC and Health Department both recommend:

Getting a flu shot

Washing hands regularly

If symptoms develop, seek medical attention for possible treatment, especially if at a higher risk of further illness

If sick, stay at home and rest. This helps the sick individual, and prevents the disease from spreading.

"It's never too late to get a flu shot, even during widespread activity," Kelly Taulbee, Director of Nursing for the Hocking County Health Department explained. "Get a flu shot, if you haven't; it's never too late."

Flu shots, the recommended form of vaccination for this season, are still available at the Hocking County Health Department, Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.