Public health officials in Ohio are recommending flu vaccination before Halloween, saying cases are beginning to increase and this season’s vaccines have been updated for newly circulating strains. The guidance applies to families across Southwest Ohio, according to WLWT.
Hamilton County Public Health Director Dr. Stephen Feagins said the vaccine requires about two weeks to become effective, so officials advise getting it now while case counts are still climbing slowly. He said the previous flu season produced Hamilton County’s largest surge in five years and strained hospital capacity. Feagins linked that surge to several new virus strains and said this year’s vaccine was updated to match current trends.
Citing CDC data, WLWT reported that national flu levels remain low but cases are rising in Ohio and 47 other states. COVID-19 and RSV also are trending upward in dozens of states, officials said. Health officials are monitoring norovirus as well and recommend hand-washing and covering coughs in addition to vaccination.