The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department is reporting a rise in flu-related hospitalizations within the community.

The State of Ohio is currently classified as “Very High” for influenza activity. For the week ending 02/10/2024, Ohio reported an increase in outpatient visits by 31% and an increase in ER visits by 9% compared to the week before.

In Lucas County, the 2022-2023 Influenza season peaked in December. Compared to this time last year, we are seeing an increase in influenza-associated hospitalizations.

Since the beginning of the current flu season, Lucas County has seen 146 influenza-associated hospitalizations.

Take the following steps to protect yourself from the flu:
– Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
– While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
– If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
– Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
– Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
– Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.

“Everyone older than six months of age should be vaccinated against the flu every year. If you have not yet been vaccinated this year, it’s not too late. When you get vaccinated, you are not just protecting yourself. You are also protecting the people you love,” said Interim Health Commissioner, Shannon Jones.

To schedule a flu shot, please contact the Health Department at 419-213-4013.