Flu Season Hits Hard: What You Need to Know
Tragic Loss Marks Start of Flu Season
Flu cases are climbing rapidly in the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys. A tragic event has highlighted the severity of the situation: a teenager from Greene County, Ohio, became the first child to die from the flu this season. Health officials are urging everyone to take the flu seriously, emphasizing that it can be deadly. They stress that it's not too late to get a flu shot, especially for children.
Rising Hospitalizations
- Mahoning County: 34 hospitalizations in one week
- Trumbull County: 17 hospitalizations
- Columbiana County: 4 hospitalizations
These numbers are higher than the previous week. Across the border in Pennsylvania, there have been over 35,000 confirmed cases and 22 deaths so far this season.
New Flu Strain: Subclade K
A significant factor in the rise of cases is a new version of the flu virus called "subclade K." This strain mutated in Australia last summer, but the U.S. flu shot was developed before this change. Experts explain that this means the vaccine might not be as effective against this new strain. However, they clarify that this does not necessarily mean the flu is more dangerous—just that it spreads more quickly.
Local Health Centers Overwhelmed
Local health centers are seeing an increase in patients with respiratory illnesses. The most common illnesses are flu and COVID-19, with some cases of RSV. Even though flu season is already underway, health experts recommend getting vaccinated. The flu season can last until May, so there is still time to protect yourself.
Staying Safe
Health officials recommend the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often
- Cover your coughs
- Stay home when you're sick
For those without insurance, the Vaccines for Children program offers free flu shots at local health departments.
