Mahoning County Public Health reports increase in seasonal influenza cases
Mahoning County Public Health shared that across the county and throughout the state of Ohio, physicians are reporting an increase in seasonal influenza cases.
The current influenza activity level for the state is ranked as very high, according to the Ohio Department of Health’s seasonal influenza activity report.
The best way to prevent the spread of flu is getting a vaccine.
A flu vaccine can be obtained by calling the Mahoning County Public Health office at (330) 270-2855 ext. 125.
You can also call your local health care provider or pharmacy to schedule a flu shot.
How does the flu spread?
According to Mahoning County Public Health, flu viruses are spread by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk.
These droplets commonly can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Less often, the flu is spread from one person to another by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose.
Other tips include:
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
- Washing your hands often;
Covering your coughs and sneezes; and
If you get sick, stay home.
If you start feeling sick, do you know where you should go for care?
More and more people are experiencing cold and flu symptoms, and Mercy Health wants patients to know where they should go for care.
When should you go to a primary care doctor or walk-in care location versus heading into the emergency room?
For non-emergencies and non-emergency illnesses, head to the primary care doctor or a walk-in care location.
These non-emergency cases might include patients with cold, flu and sinus pains, ear pain, sprains and fevers over 101.5 F.
The primary care doctor and walk-in care centers aren’t open every day, and patients will pay less for treatment here than at an emergency room.
For these symptoms and conditions, head to an emergency room that’s open 24/7:
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Intense chest pain
- Severe and sudden stomach pain
- Severe burns, bleeding, open wounds and broken bones
- Severe headache or head injury
- Sudden weakness
- Loss of vision
- Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of hurting others
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