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The flu season is approaching again and public health officials are recommending that people six months of age or older get vaccinated to reduce the risk of illness, hospitalization, work or school, or even death.
Last season, there were 17,397 influenza-related hospitalizations in Ohio, more than four times the number from 2015 to 2016, when there were 3,691 cases.
"It's clear that last season was very difficult for the flu and we want to take this opportunity to remind ourselves that getting vaccinated will help reduce the risk of the season getting worse this season," said Dan Suffoletto, wearing -Public Health Center. Dayton County and Montgomery.
Jason Briscoe, director of drug operations at Drug Mart, said there are different options for the flu shot. There is a high-dose vaccine for people 65 years and older and a vaccine that is not made from eggs and is safe for people with egg allergies, he added.
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The nasal spray option of the influenza vaccine is also returning after several years of poor circulation, said Briscoe.
He said the motivation for getting a flu shot is not just to protect yourself, but to protect those around you who might be particularly sensitive.
"Not only do you protect yourself, but you also protect those around you, whether it's a baby, your grandparents or a weakened immune system," said Briscoe.
The influenza vaccine takes about two weeks before it is fully effective. The CDC recommends vaccinations before the end of October.
Last year, the number of influenza cases in Ohio began to increase in December and peaked in early January. When the flu season begins and it reaches its peak year after year.
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There were four children in Ohio who died of the flu last season. Influenza deaths in adults are not followed.
The CDC has changed its recommendation for people with egg allergy, saying now that even people with serious reactions like hives can now get the vaccine, but should receive it in a doctor's office and not in a pharmacy.
If a person gets the flu, the FDA this month approved the first generic version of Tamiflu, making the flu treatment less expensive. Like the branded version, the generic is intended for the treatment of patients within 48 hours of the onset of flu-like symptoms, such as fevers, chills, cough, muscle aches, congestion, headaches and fatigue.
In addition to being vaccinated, Suffoletto emphasized the importance of other preventive measures such as hand washing and staying home to avoid further spread.
The influenza vaccine is effective at about 40 to 60%, varying from year to year. Suffoletto said that even if a person still gets the flu after being vaccinated, it usually has less severe symptoms than if she had been vaccinated.
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Pharmacies, emergency centers, health services, medical practices, schools and workplaces will have flu shots.
According to the US Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, the time between the time a person is exposed and infected with the flu and the onset of symptoms is about two days, but can range from about one to four days.
People with influenza are the most contagious within three to four days of the onset of their illness. The CDC said some healthy adults might be able to infect other people from the day before the onset of symptoms and up to five or seven days after becoming ill. Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, may be able to infect others with influenza viruses even longer.
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