CLEVELAND — Cuyahoga County Board of Health said 22 people have died so far this season from the flu. 

What You Need To Know

  • Cuyahoga County's flu deaths have far surpassed last season's total

  • The county has among the highest hospitalizations in the state

  • Ohio's flu spread is currently rated as "very high" and health officials are urging residents to take precautions

It's nearly double what the county reported for last year's flu season total, which was 12. 

The department said the deaths included 12 men, eight women and two children. The children were 12 and 8 years old, and the median age for the adult deaths was 79.

However, the department noted that the children who died had other illnesses or conditions that contributed to their deaths.

The northeast Ohio region has among the most hospitalizations in the state, according to the Ohio Department of Health's latest update. As of Feb. 28, the region had nearly 2,000 hospitalizations from the flu. 

In Cuyahoga alone, there's been more than 1,100 flu-related hospitalizations, which accounts for over 10% of all hospitalizations in the state, according to ODH. 

Cuyahoga County Board of Health officials urge residents to take precautions for the flu, including:

  • Wash hands frequently
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Stay home if sick
  • Get a flu shot at your local pharmacy or medical provider

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there have been 33 million flu-related illnesses so far this flu season, as well as 430,000 hospitalizations and 19,000 deaths. As of Feb. 22, Ohio's flu spread was rated "very high" by the CDC, which is the highest level. 

(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)