Ohio is in the red zone for respiratory illnesses. A map by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows the state sitting at a very high level of activity for the flu, COVID-19 and RSV.
What You Need To Know
- This is based on outpatient visits and emergency department visits
- Doctors are not able to review COVID numbers like before because it’s not being tracked like it was previously
- According to the CDC, over 60% of people in the U.S. indicate that they have no intention of getting a vaccine or they probably won't get one
“I think Ohio was following many of the lower southeastern states as a Eastern Midwestern state, and it seems to be dripping with respiratory illness here in the last few weeks," Mount Carmel Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Mark Hertbert said. He added that the numbers are similar to pre-pandemic levels.
Regardless of which illness it is, CDC vaccination trends are low among kids and adults.
“Our flu shot rate is about 42%, which I think is pretty good, but our COVID rate for the most recently available is only 18%," Herbert said, referring to Ohio.
As a result, Herbert noted that not only are people at an increased risk of spreading an illness to their friends and family, but they can end up in the emergency room.
His tips for people this season include:
-If you're sick, stay home.
-If you're sick for more than a day or two, call your doctor for advice.
-Get your vaccines because they will help decrease the severity of your illness and keep you out of the emergency room.