While others are reporting deaths related to influenza, Wood County is experiencing a typical flu season
so far.
There have been 48 cases of the illness since October, compared to 52 at this point last year, according
to Pat Snyder, health information, education and communications manager for the Wood County Health
District.
"We’re right where we expect to be," she said.
Six patients have been hospitalized with influenza, but no deaths have been reported. All infections were
Influenza A with one classified as H1N1.
Snyder said there also hasn’t been a significant increase in members of the public coming into the health
district for flu shots, nor have there been many calls from schools worried about the illness becoming
widespread.
"It’s pretty much an overall quiet flu season for us," Snyder said.
Flu deaths in the county can’t be entirely ruled out, however, as only deaths in children are required to
be reported.
"These numbers are not complete, they are just available to give us an idea of how the flu season is
trending," said Nikki Brue, the health district’s epidemiologist.
Flu season can last into May, so it’s not too late to get vaccinated, the district stated in a news
release. The most prevalent strain is included in the vaccine, which requires about two weeks to build
an immunity.
Vaccines seem to be in strong supply in the area. Attention to the illness prompted the Perrysburg Area
Chamber of Commerce to organize a last-minute flu-shot clinic as part of its monthly luncheon on
Wednesday, an opportunity taken advantage of by a handful of guests.
Offering flu shots at the event Wednesday was Prak Naik, pharmacist at The Drug Store of Perrysburg.
Seasonal influenza can cause fever, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body
aches. People with flu can spread it to others up to six feet away through coughs and sneezes, according
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Ask your doctor if they offer the flu vaccine or go to the HealthMap Vaccine Finder at
http://flushot.healthmap.org to find a provider near you.