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Anti-Covid Efforts Warding Off Flu


 

 

Kim Cupp, Fulton County Health Commissioner, confirmed that efforts to battle the Coronavirus are leading to a downturn in influenza cases.

Both illnesses are caused by a virus, carried by tiny droplets of vapor spread when infected people cough or sneeze; in the case of the Coronavirus, which causes the illness COVID 19, transmission can occur even when people speak.

Currently, the state of Ohio requires people to socially distance from one another, avoid large crowds, and wear masks.

“The measures taken to prevent the spread of COVID 19 are the same ones we traditionally have encouraged, and (that) are effective in preventing the spread of influenza,” Cupp said.

“Those prevention measures include washing your hands frequently; covering coughs and sneezes with tissues, or coughing or sneezing into your elbow; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; and staying home when sick.

“In addition, the concepts and precautions, including social distancing and masks used to prevent the spread of COVID-19, are effective at preventing the spread of influenza.”

 

 

Statistics

The Ohio flu season extends from October to May.

Information from the Ohio Department of Health shows that out of the last five years, the flu season has peaked in February three times.

The worst year for influenza was in 2019-20, when there were 10,356 positive influenza tests from public health and certain clinical laboratories in February.

Total number of positive test results so far in the 2020- 21 flu season?

The Ohio Department of Health is reporting zero.

Hospitalizations

While COVID-19 cases must be reported to local and state health officials, influenza is not reportable.

Doctors do not have to report flu cases.

However, Cupp said the number of people admitted to hospitals with influenza or influenza-associated illnesses must be reported.

During the 2019-20 flu season, there were 37 hospitalizations for influenza and influenza-associated illness in Fulton County.

The worst year of the last five for Fulton County was 2017-18, when there were 54 hospitalizations.

So far in the 2020-21 season?

Cupp said no one has been hospitalized.