Flu season returns: Ohio doctors on what to expect this flu season, when to get shots
Along with milder weather, fall foliage and pumpkin-flavored food, one unwelcome aspect of autumn may make a big comeback this month — influenza.
October marks the official start of flu season. That means it's the time of year when the virus that causes the seasonal flu begins circulating more broadly.
The flu season lasts through May, but cases usually peak in Ohio sometime in December, January or February, said Columbus Public Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts.
COVID-19 in Ohio:Overrun hospitals, widespread illness may return if few Ohioans get new COVID booster
On top of the flu, COVID-19 continues to circulate and could rebound just as the flu takes off throughout the greater Columbus area and Ohio as a whole.
With that in mind, The Dispatch spoke with local doctors about what Ohioans should expect from the flu this year and if and when they should consider getting a flu shot.
Here's what they said.
How bad will this flu season be?
It's anyone's guess.
But, given the last two flu seasons have been on the milder side due to anti-COVID measures such as masking and social distancing, this flu season could end up being the worst in three years, Roberts said. While the flu typically peaks in late winter or early spring, Roberts said she wouldn't be surprised if it peaked early this season since fewer people have caught it the last two years.
"Many of us have not had exposure to the flu virus (recently)," Roberts said. "With many people back to their normal activities, we could see more cases."
From the fall of 2020 through the spring of 2022, the flu circulated at an unusually low level in Ohio and resulted in few deaths.
COVID-19 vaccine boosters:Columbus doctors answer 3 major questions about new COVID boosters
One child died of the flu during the 2021-2022 season, according to the state health department. By comparison five children died during the 2019-2020 season, the last before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, data shows.
Doctors will often monitor the flu in the southern hemisphere to get an idea of how bad it could be in the United States in the fall, said Dr. Dane Snyder, section chief of primary care at Nationwide Children's Hospital. While the last two flu seasons were mild in the southern hemisphere, Snyder said the most-recent one was different.
"The best indications we have are the things that happen in the southern hemisphere," Snyder said. "This past flu season in the southern hemisphere was a return back to very high flu volumes."
Should I get a flu shot?
Flu shots are recommended once a year for anyone age 6 months and older and can help protect against serious illness, according to the state health department.
While it's still possible to get the flu, the annual shot cant stunt the severity of an infection and help prevent its spread.
“The best way to protect yourself from seasonal flu is to receive an annual flu vaccine,” Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, director of the Ohio Department of Health said in a prepared statement. “The flu can cause serious complications that could require hospitalization or even lead to death. To stay healthy this fall and winter, it’s important to stay up to date on all of your vaccinations."
It's especially important for Ohioans with compromised immune systems, people who are pregnant and those who have chronic health conditions to get vaccinated for the flu, Vanderhoff said. For Ohioans older than 65, there are high-dose flu vaccines recommended.
COVID-19 vaccines:How to get a COVID-19 vaccine for children under 5 in the Columbus area
The annual flu shot is important for the youngest Ohioans to get, too, Snyder said. Young kids can suffer severe illness from the flu and Snyder said those who aren't vaccinated may suffer complications such as difficulty breathing.
Getting the shot can also help protect babies younger than 6 months, who are not yet eligible for a flu shot, Snyder said.
"We want people to get those flu vaccines," he said. "They are effective, carry very little risk and the benefit tremendously outweighs any risk."
When should I get a flu shot?
Now is the right time to get a flu shot, Roberts told The Dispatch.
It takes up to two weeks for the shot's full protection to kick in and Roberts said it's ideal for Columbus-area residents to have that immunity as soon as possible.
"Don't hesitate. ... It's not too early to get vaccinated," Roberts said.
Even if Ohioans don't get the flu shot now, they can get it any time during the flu season, Snyder said.
The shot can still be helpful, Snyder said, even if people don't get it until December or January. Typically, the flu shot is available through spring, Snyder said.
Where can I get a flu shot?
Flu shots are widely available throughout Columbus and Ohio and are free through most insurance plans.
It's OK to get the flu shot along with a COVID booster shot as well, doctors told The Dispatch. People can get a flu shot by visiting their doctor or clinics hosted by public health departments.
Columbus Public Health is planning to again offer a drive-through vaccination clinic. The city health department also offers a walk-in clinic at its headquarters at 240 Parsons Ave.
Monkeypox in Ohio:Here's what you need to know about the virus
Franklin County Public Health offers multiple shot clinics a week as well. A schedule is available online.
A federal website, vaccines.gov, allows Ohioans to search for flu shot locations based on their zip code.
Various pharmacies also allow Ohioans to walk in for a flu shot or to schedule a shot online:
mfilby@dispatch.com
@MaxFilby
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Flu shots: Columbus doctors' advice on when and where to get them
