Ohio health director warns of severe flu season ahead

Watch the full Action News Now interview in the video at the end of this article.

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - Ohio’s top health official said Thursday the state appears headed toward one of its most serious flu seasons in recent years.

Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff said early numbers this flu season are concerning. The state has seen almost double the number of people hospitalized for flu compared to last year, which was considered a severe year, he said.

“It appears to me that we are headed toward one of our more serious, severe flu seasons,” Vanderhoff said in a one-on-one interview Thursday with 13 Action News.

Vanderhoff said the surge is driven by a new strain of flu that some have dubbed the “super flu.”

“It’s one that we haven’t seen before. And so it is super in the context of thinking about more people being vulnerable,” he said.

Children younger than 11 and adults older than 65 are the most vulnerable this season, according to Vanderhoff. There have been three pediatric flu deaths this year, including two in Lucas County.

“Nothing is more tragic than seeing a child die,” Vanderhoff said.

Before the Thursday interview, Vanderhoff said he was on a call with hospital officials from across the state about surging flu cases. He said the state’s healthcare system is prepared to handle the increase.

“I would say we’re a well-oiled machine,” he said.

Vanderhoff credited the coordination developed during the pandemic for preparing health leaders for this challenge. He said officials are working to ensure healthcare services are delivered effectively even during peak periods.

The flu shot takes about two weeks to become fully effective, Vanderhoff said. Early studies and data show the vaccine is proving effective at keeping children and adults out of the hospital.

Latest Local News | First Alert Weather | Crime | National | 13abc Originals