Doctors Urge Flu Vaccines for Kids as Cases Surge Across Ohio

Flu cases are on the rise all across the state. According to the state’s flu dashboard, activity levels remain very high, specifically in young people.

At Blended Minds Learning Academy, enrollment coordinator, Tabathia Porter, is making every effort in her power to keep the kids in her care safe and healthy.

“We have the equipment out there, so before you come inside, make sure that your hands are clean,” she said.

While sanitizing their hands before entering the classroom is important, there are additional reminders placed all around the daycare reminding kids about the importance of diligently washing their hands.

This flu season, Ohio has already seen more than 9,000 hospitalizations due to the flu, a number that far exceeds the typical average for this time of year.

Mia Antinone, MD, OhioHealth family medicine resident, said, “Children are at very high risk of dehydration. When they’re not feeling well, they don’t feed well, they don’t eat well.” Dehydration caused by the flu is often the point at which children require hospitalization.

Dr. Antinone reminded us how important vaccinations are this season.

“The flu shot is not meant for you to not get the flu,” she said. “It’s to protect you from getting hospitalized and having a really severe case of the flu.”

To schedule a vaccination, click here