CLEVELAND, Ohio -- An additional death pushed the total number of flu-related fatalities to five in Cuyahoga County. The single death was reported during the week of Jan. 20-26.
Summit County has reported two flu deaths for the season. There have been no flu deaths yet this season in Lorain, Lake and Medina counties.
Influenza, which spreads through coughing and sneezing, can lead to serious illness and death. Young children and the elderly are the most likely to become very ill. Getting the flu vaccine, covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands and staying home when ill are good ways to stop flu from spreading.
Influenza activity is widespread in 45 states, including Ohio, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cuyahoga County reported 24 flu-associated hospitalizations during the week of Jan. 20-26, raising the seasonal number to nearly 370.
Nearly 150 Summit County residents have been hospitalized with flu-related illness so far this season. Lake County has 22 and Medina County has 39.
While the flu season remains mild, influenza cases are expected to rise in February as the season peaks, said Dr. Jennifer Hanrahan, infection disease specialist at MetroHealth System.
The recent polar vortex kept people at home, which tends to slow the spread of the illness, Hanrahan said. Milder days following the arctic freeze may lead to more people spreading the illness and becoming sick. A rise in flu activity may be noticeable in a few weeks, Hanrahan said.
The predominant flu virus circulating is a milder variety of the H1N1 virus, according to a Forbes article. The rougher H3N2 virus is still in circulation, but isn’t dominant.
This year, the flu vaccine is a good match with the types of viruses in circulation, which means it offers good protection. Follow this link to find a flu vaccine location near you.