Ohio Department of Health Reports first pediatric flu death of 2023-24 flu season

The Ohio Department of Health reported the state's first flu-associated pediatric death of the 2023-24 flu season Friday, a 9-year-old girl from Clermont County.

Clemon County Public Health is investigating the death.

The Ohio Department of Health says that flu activity normally peaks between December and early February. Flu activity in Ohio has been on the rise since early December, and the Department of Health says the current activity is high. 

Over 900 influenza-associated hospitalizations have been reported in Ohio this flu season, which the Department of Health says is below the five-year average for this time in the season.

Ohio generally reports between one and six influenza-associated pediatric deaths each year.

"If you haven't gotten a flu vaccine, now is a good time," Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff said. "We are in the heart of flu season, and a vaccine may help prevent you or your loved ones from contracting a serious case of the disease."

Flu vaccines are available at most healthcare providers' offices, local health departments and retail pharmacies.

The Ohio Department of Health says that other ways to avoid getting or spreading the flu include washing hands frequently, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, covering coughs and sneezes with tissues or coughing or sneezing into elbows. 

The Ohio Department of Health also recommends staying home if you feel sick.

For more information about flu and flu activity in Ohio visit www.flu.ohio.gov