DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)- Influenza sent more than 500 Ohians to the hospital so far this flu season. The number is on the rise as we approach the flu season’s peak.
“This week, our flu hospitalization numbers are slightly up compared to last week. (But) it’s under the five year average,” Dan Suffoletto with Public Health Dayton-Montgomery County said.
CDC numbers show 22 people from west central Ohio went to the hospital in the last week. Twenty-nine people were hospitalized in south west Ohio. Thirty-three people in east central and 45 people in the state’s north east area were also sent to the hospital as a result of the flu.
“Every year we’re encouraging people to get a flu shot. We think that a lot of people are taking our advice and getting a flu shot,” Suffoletto said.
Not everyone is. Some people feel it doesn’t make a difference.
“Last year I got the flu shot and I got sick right afterwards. So this year I was going to get the flu shot again and I got sick again so it was a double edge sword,” said Miami Valley resident Steve Anderson who opted to not get vaccinated.
Others with already compromised immune systems are heeding the warnings, like Miami Valley resident Doug Clemens, are. “I’m Type 2 diabetic and they recommend I get it every year. I’ve got it for the last 5 or 6 years and it seemed to help,” Clemens said.
Doctors say if you haven’t been vaccinated, you shouldn’t waste any time.
“It does take about two weeks for the flu shot to become effective so you want to get it as soon as possible,” Suffoletto said.
So far this flu season, 13 people have died across the country. Vaccines are available at your doctor’s office and the health department.
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