Sunday, January 20, 2013
There have been more than 2,500 flu-related hospitalizations across the state so far this season.
This has already been an intense season for the flu in Ohio and across the country. Cuyahoga County provides weekly influenza reports on its website. As of Jan. 18, the most recent report—which ended on Jan. 5—showed a lot of flu activity in the area. This report was posted last week, so click here for more details. The Ohio Department of Health’s website has some more recent information, and some of the figures are staggering. There have already been more than 2,500 flu-related hospitalizations across the state as of Jan. 12. Compare that to 175 last year, and 86 the year before for the same time period. The department notes that there has been a “dramatic and early increase” this season, and includes a chart that shows just that. If …
Friday, December 7, 2012
Flu season can run through May. Find out what you need to know to protect yourself and your family.
Flu season is upon us, and flu shots are available at several locations around Beachwood. Scroll down for a couple Beachwood locations. But, are you guaranteed to get the flu if you don’t get vaccinated against it? Of course not—but here’s why getting a flu vaccine just might be worth your while. Influenza, or the "flu,” is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses infecting the nose, throat and lungs. Symptoms include muscle or body aches, headaches, cough, sore throat, fatigue, fever or chills, and vomiting and diarrhea (the latter two are more common in kids). The flu can also worsen chronic medical conditions or cause death. Unfortunately, flu viruses can spread easily via infected people coughing, sneezing or even just …
Friday, January 14, 2011
It's not too late. Here, everything you need to know to protect yourself from the flu
It’s not too late to get a flu shot, and even if you have already had the flu this season, a shot can protect you from a second round. Marc Pupillo, pharmacy manager at Beachwood’s CVS, said that anyone who does not want the flu should get the flu shot, but he added that there are a few populations who are at higher risk for the flu or could see more severe consequences if they do contract it. These populations include the elderly, pregnant women, college students and school employees. Additionally, anyone with a family member who has a lowered immune system should get a shot to lower the risk of spreading the flu. Plus, he said, the shot is an inactivated strain of the latest flu viruses – meaning that it cannot give you those viruses. …
