OHIO — The Buckeye State currently has a "very high" influenza spread, according to recent data. 

What You Need To Know

  • According to the latest data from the Ohio Department of Health for the week ending on Feb. 10, the percentage of outpatient visits increased 30% compared to the week before. Emergency department visits also increase by 15%

  • Overall, Northeast Ohio has the highest total influenza hospitalizations with 969 so far this season

  • Most of the hospitalizations so far this flu season have affected the 60-69 age group, which accounts for 1,025

According to the latest data from the Ohio Department of Health for the week ending on Feb. 10, the percentage of outpatient visits increased 30% compared to the week before. Emergency department visits also increase by 15%. 

West Central Ohio currently reported the most hospitalizations during that week with 111. Northeast Ohio had the second most, with 98, followed by Southwest Ohio with 90.

East Central had 83, Central had 78 and Southeast had 36, according to ODH's influenza dashboard. 

Overall, Northeast Ohio has the highest total influenza hospitalizations, with 969 so far this season. Most of the hospitalizations so far this flu season have affected the 60-69 age group, which accounts for 1,025.

 

Ohio currently has one of the highest influenza spread in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There's still about four to six weeks of the flu season left, and health officials are urging people to get vaccinated. To find where to get a vaccine near you, click here.

In previous press conferences, ODH Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff also urged individuals to stay home if they're sick or to wear a mask to help prevent the spread. 

Related Stories