(Dover, Ohio) – Did you know it’s still not too late to receive your flu vaccine?
The Tuscarawas County Health Department can still administer regular flu vaccines to both children and adults. To make an appointment, call 330-343-5555 ext. 181. The easiest way to protect yourself from the flu is to get a seasonal flu vaccine.
The majority of the United States is currently reporting High or Moderate influenza activity. Tuscarawas County has seen a substantial increase in local flu activity in week 9 (February 23, 2020- February 29, 2020) compared to previous weeks. Both Nationally and Locally Influenza B viruses are the most reported influenza viruses.
The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) reported 13 influenza-associated pediatric deaths in week 7 (February 9, 2020- February 15, 2020). This brings the total influenza pediatric deaths to 105 Nationally for the 2019-2020 flu season. In Ohio, there have been 2 pediatric deaths associated with the flu. The CDC estimates that so far this season there have been at least 29 million flu illnesses, 280,000 hospitalizations and 16,000 deaths from flu.
Locally, Tuscarawas County has seen an increase in hospitalized influenza cases over the past week. There have been 7,592 influenza-associated hospitalizations in Ohio to date.
Symptoms of the Flu:
- Fever
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Cough
- sore throat
- nasal congestion
- body aches
Prevention:
Get your yearly flu vaccine. You should avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Wash your hands! Cover your cough!
The flu virus can “live” on some surfaces for up to 48 hours. Routine cleaning of surfaces may reduce the spread of flu. Flu viruses are killed by heat above 167° F [75° C]. Common household cleaning products can also kill the flu virus, including products containing:
- chlorine
- hydrogen peroxide
- detergents (soap)
- iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics)
- alcohols
If You Are Sick:
If you’re sick, stay home! The majority of flu illness can be treated at home. However, if symptoms become more severe, you are pregnant or you have an underlying chronic medical condition, seek medical attention immediately.
During your illness, stay away from those who may become ill easily or who are at high risk for complications from flu; cover coughs and sneezes; and wash your hands often.
Drink clear fluids such as water, broth or sports drinks. There are also electrolyte beverages made for infants to prevent them from becoming dehydrated.
Get plenty of rest. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends staying home for 24 hours after fever is gone without using fever-reducing medication.
For questions please contact the Tuscarawas County Health Department at (330) 343-5555 x164.
