Logan County Health Commissioner Travis Irvan recently provided a concerning update on the flu season.
The health department is closely monitoring the nationwide surge in influenza cases, and local data indicates that Logan County is not immune to this trend.
So far this season, 30 people have been hospitalized in Logan County due to the flu. Eighty percent of them were unvaccinated, and 29 of the 30 were 50 years of age or older.
“The flu season this year is particularly severe,” Irvan said. “Ohio is experiencing the worst level of flu activity in the past 15 years, and Logan County is seeing the impact of that surge firsthand.”
The CDC measures influenza activity by tracking outpatient visits for flu-like symptoms, which are then used to assess the flu activity in each state.
In addition to the rise in flu cases, Logan County recently experienced its first adult flu-related death. Irvan noted that while the health district receives data on hospitalizations related to the flu, detailed information about local flu cases is limited.
Irvan emphasized that while flu season is in full swing, it is not too late for residents to get vaccinated. Vaccination appointments can be made by calling the Logan County Health District at (937) 651-6186.
Flu symptoms include a sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, fever, cough, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, and chills.
These symptoms can resemble a cold, but the flu typically comes on more suddenly—within two to three days of exposure to the virus.
The CDC also warns that children may experience flu symptoms more severely, including ear pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Children are generally more likely to have gastrointestinal symptoms than adults when they get the flu.
