In the latest report from the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), there were 2,470 flu-related hospitalizations statewide over the past week, marking a significant 25.8% rise from the previous week. Historically, the average number of flu-related hospitalizations for this time of year is below 500.

“We are currently in the thick of flu season, and this recent spike serves as a stark reminder of how serious influenza can be. It’s crucial for everyone to take the risk of contracting the flu seriously,” remarked Dan Suffoletto, public information manager for Public Health-Dayton and Montgomery County.

Montgomery County has reported a total of 620 flu hospitalizations, representing 6.8% of the state’s total hospitalizations. This equates to a rate of 5.27 flu-related hospitalizations per 100,000 residents.

In Butler County, there have been 193 flu hospitalizations, making up 2.1% of the state’s total, according to ODH data.

Clark County has documented 168 flu hospitalizations, accounting for 1.8% of the overall figures, while Greene County has seen 153 flu-related hospitalizations.

Flu activity generally peaks between December and February. In Ohio, an upward trend in flu cases has been noted since early December, escalating more rapidly since the beginning of the new year. ODH reports that flu activity levels are currently very high.

Since the beginning of the flu season, Ohio has recorded over 9,000 flu-related hospitalizations. The dominant strain this season is Influenza A, which the Cleveland Clinic states tends to result in more severe illnesses than Influenza B. Late in 2024, 96% of reported flu cases were attributed to flu A, according to reports from the Cleveland Clinic.

The current surge in flu-related hospitalizations significantly exceeds the five-year average for this point in the season, according to ODH. It is important to note that the five-year average does not include data from the COVID-19 pandemic years, specifically the flu seasons of 2019-2020 and 2020-2021.

By the end of the 2022-2023 flu season in mid-May, Ohio had documented a total of 9,134 flu-related hospitalizations, while the conclusion of the 2023-2024 season saw that number rise to 10,236.

Typically, Ohio experiences between one to six pediatric deaths associated with influenza each season. Last season, five pediatric deaths were recorded, a slight decrease from six in the previous 2022-2023 season, as reported by ODH.

“It’s not too late for children and parents to receive a flu vaccination,” said Vanderhoff.

“Getting vaccinated may help prevent you or your loved ones from becoming severely ill. Maintaining good hand hygiene and staying home when feeling unwell are especially critical during flu season,” Vanderhoff advised.

Flu vaccinations are widely available at local health departments, most healthcare provider offices, and retail pharmacies.

To further reduce the risk of flu transmission, remember to wash your hands frequently or utilize alcohol-based hand sanitizers, cover your coughs and sneezes with tissues or your elbow, and refrain from touching your face.

“Staying home when feeling sick and avoiding close contact with others is essential to help curb the spread of the flu,” stressed Suffoletto.