Flu Virus on the Rise – Health – City of Cincinnati (.gov)

It is not too late to get the flu vaccine and other vaccines such as COVID-19 and RSV.

January 16, 2024

CINCINNATI, OH The Cincinnati Health Department (CHD) conducts ongoing monitoring of untreated wastewater in Cincinnati to learn about potential viruses circulating among the population in partnership with the Ohio Department of Health and the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati.

Recent results showed the consecutive detection of Influenza A viral genes copies in the untreated wastewater collected from the Mill Creek wastewater treatment plant, said Maryse Amin, Ph.D., M.S., Assistant Health Commissioner, Division Director for Community Health and Environmental Health Services with the Cincinnati Health Department. Detection of influenza virus in wastewater can indicate higher transmission within a community, so it is important to take precautions to minimize the negative impact of the flu and other viral illnesses such as COVID-19 and RSV.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), While seasonal influenza (flu) viruses are detected year-round in the United States, flu viruses typically circulate during the fall and winter during whats known as the flu season.

To date this season, 57 influenza hospitalizations have been reported among Cincinnati residents of all ages. Only 14% of those who have been hospitalized were currently vaccinated. Both Type A and Type B influenzas have been detected in Cincinnati residents, and those that were sub-typed appear to be familiar viruses that are included in this years seasonal influenza vaccine: A(H1-2009), AH3, B(Victoria).

Since the start of the COVID pandemic, the timing and duration of flu activity has been less predictable, but local indicators suggest that Cincinnati has not yet peaked.

Given that we are at the height of the flu season, CHD encourages everyone who have not yet received the flu vaccine to consider getting it as soon as possible. It is not too late.

In addition to the flu vaccine, CHD encourages people to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine and the RSV vaccine for those who are 60 and older. People are encouraged to check with their physician regarding their individual situation as well as timing and type of vaccine they should receive.

CHD offers vaccines at all its health clinics, including for people who are uninsured. However, uninsured patients will be responsible for copay and/or administration fee. Like for other medical services, CHDs clinics use sliding scale fees for the insured.

We appreciate the Cincinnati Health Department and Metropolitan Sewer District for their work on surveillance in our community, said Greg Kesterman, Hamilton County Health Commissioner. Its respiratory virus season so its not unusual to find this type of activity. This should serve as a reminder to get vaccinated the best choice for avoiding severe disease.

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Flu Virus on the Rise - Health - City of Cincinnati (.gov)