Flu Outbreak 2012: Influenza Still Widespread

Ohio is in the midst of an “unusually” active influenza season, the Ohio Department of Health reports. 

The Cuyahoga County Board of Health tracks influenza activity by the week. According to the most recent report, which ended on Jan. 5, flu activity in the county is still “widespread,” but the figures look a bit better than last week.

Solon Schools officials said that they have not had an unusually large number of absences due to illness so far.

Flu-related hospitalizations were down a bit after a sharp increase last week. This week, there were 59 flu-related hospitalizations. Last week, there were 134, and the week before, there were 73. 

About 4 percent of all emergency department visits were for fever or flu symptoms, down from 4.9 percent the week before. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu activity continues to climb across the country, and most areas are experiencing high levels of flu or flu-type illness. This season is already approaching what was the peak of moderately severe seasons of the past.

One Ohio child has died from the flu so far this year, the Ohio Department of Health reports. There were no pediatric deaths reported last season.