The Ohio Department of Health reported Friday the state's first flu-related infant death of the 2023-24 flu season. The patient is a 9-year-old girl from Clermont County, health officials said. Clermont County Public Health is investigating the death. Health officials say flu activity typically peaks between December and February, and in Ohio, flu activity has been increasing since early December, with current activity high. Since the start of the season, Ohio has reported more than 900 flu-related hospitalizations, below the five-year average for this season, health officials said. Ohio typically reports one to six flu-related infant deaths each year. “If you haven't gotten a flu shot, now is a good time,” ODH director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA, said in a statement. “We're in the heart of flu season, and a vaccine can help prevent you or your loved ones from contracting a serious illness.” Health officials are advising Ohioans to stay up-to-date on vaccinations and to avoid spreading the disease by washing their hands frequently. or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or coughing or sneezing into the elbow; Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth; and staying home when sick. More information about flu and flu activity in Ohio is available at www.flu.ohio.gov.
The Ohio Department of Health reported Friday the state's first flu-related infant death of the 2023-24 flu season.
The patient is a 9-year-old girl from Clermont County, health officials said. Clermont County Public Health is investigating the death.
Health officials said flu activity typically peaks between December and February, and in Ohio, flu activity has been increasing since early December and current activity is high.
Since the start of the season, Ohio has reported more than 900 flu-related hospitalizations, below the five-year average for this season, health officials said. Ohio typically reports one to six flu-related infant deaths each year.
“If you haven't gotten a flu shot, now is a good time,” ODH director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA, said in a statement. “We're in the heart of flu season, and getting vaccinated can help prevent you or your loved ones from contracting a serious illness.”
Health officials advise Ohioans to stay up-to-date on vaccinations and avoid spreading the disease by washing hands frequently or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer; Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or coughing or sneezing into the elbow; Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth; and being home sick.
More information about flu and flu activity in Ohio is available here www.flu.ohio.gov.
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