Flu season is getting underway earlier than usual
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The flu is getting an early start in Columbus and around the country this year.
Why it matters: Does it feel like you keep hearing about friends and family getting sick? It's a good reminder to get a flu shot.
The big picture: It's an early flu season across the country.
- About 3.6% of flu tests came back positive in early October, compared with just 0.6% at the same point last year, according to CDC data.
- Additional data, including outpatient reports, suggest flu activity is on the rise, with the highest percentages of medical visits for flu-like illness in children.
Zoom in: In Columbus, doctors are seeing the signs of cold and flu season arriving earlier than usual.
- Benjamin Bring, who specializes in family medicine for OhioHealth, saw a bump in flu cases in September along with plenty of other sniffles.
- "Anecdotally, we're seeing a lot more of what we would call upper respiratory infections — basically, the common cold."
State of play: Although the flu and COVID "get all the publicity," Bring says there are plenty of other viruses floating around.
- Rhinovirus, a regular cause of the common cold, norovirus and enterovirus are all Central Ohio regulars at the moment.
Between the lines: A combination of dry, cooling air and back-to-school season has kicked off this round of ailments, he suspects.
What you can do: Bring and doctors nationwide agree — get a flu shot.
- Beyond that, remember COVID-era advice like washing your hands regularly and avoiding touching your face.
- And, perhaps most importantly: "If you're sick, stay home. That's the number one thing."
The intrigue: This season, the new U.S.-approved mRNA flu vaccine is available to adults 50 and older.