Flu season has seemingly reached its peak in Ohio, as hospitalizations due to the illness reached their highest number of the season last week.
According to the Ohio Department of Health, 832 people were newly hospitalized for flu-related issues from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1. This totals an increase of more than 36% over the previous week.
Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton also stressed the risks of flu, noting that it poses more of a threat than the 2019 novel coronavirus, which has led headlines in recent weeks.
The Cuyahoga County Board of Health reported two flu-related deaths Friday. One was a 47-year-old Lakewood man and the other was a 73-year-old Olmsted Township man.
The flu also claimed the life of an 11-year-old Lake County girl this week, marking the second pediatric flu death of the season. The first was a 16-year-old Cuyahoga County girl.
The Ohio Department of Health is also reminding the public that young children and the elderly are the most vulnerable to the flu. Those with weakened immune systems and pregnant women should also be vigilant in taking preventative measures.
