Flu Season Coming To Solon, Where To Get A Flu Shot

SOLON, OH — Flu activity is expected to kick-up between December and February, according to the Centers for Disease and Control. That means it's a good time to get a flu shot.

While it's difficult to predict when flu activity will peak in the U.S., the CDC said after low flu activity in October, cases have been increasing since early November. Flu activity in the U.S. generally begins as early as October and can last as late as May. According to the CDC, flu activity generally peaks sometime between December and February.

“Flu is a serious illness, resulting in thousands of hospitalizations and deaths each year. Getting vaccinated provides the best defense against flu throughout the season,” said Susan Rehm, M.D., an infectious disease specialist at Cleveland Clinic in a statement. “When you get vaccinated, you protect yourself and those around you, including older adults, very young children, pregnant women and people who are more vulnerable to serious flu complications due to certain health conditions.”

Where to Get a Flu Shot

Here are some locations nearby that are offering flu shots:

• MetroHealth Cleveland Heights Medical Offices — $22
• Cleveland Downtown (Public Square) - Express Care
• Walgreens, 6270 SOM Center Rd.
• CVS Minute Clinics
• Market District Pharmacy, 34310 Aurora Rd.

Difficult To Tell Which Flu Strain Will Dominate The Season

The CDC says it is difficult to determine what flu virus will dominate the season but flu vaccine is less effective against the currently circulating A(H3N2) virus. In past flu seasons when A(H3N2) has dominated, hospitalizations and deaths were more common. Influenza A viruses have been most commonly identified since Oct. 2017 with A(H3N2) viruses predominating, according to the CDC.

Flu-Related Deaths So Far

5.7 percent of all deaths in the U.S. during the week ending Nov. 11 were related to pneumonia and influenza, the CDC reports. That percentage is below the epidemic threshold of 6.5 percent. As of Nov. 25, the CDC also reported five lab-confirmed pediatric deaths during the 2017-18 flu season.

Photo by Jacquelyn Martin/Associated Press