This is how high respiratory virus levels are in Ohio, across most of U.S. – cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio Levels of respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, RSV and flu are high in Ohio and Kentucky, according to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In surrounding states, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Michigan have moderate levels of respiratory viruses, while West Virginia has low levels.

The CDC provides weekly updates on how COVID-19, influenza, and RSV is spreading nationally.

Emergency department visits due to illness related to influenza, COVID-19, and RSV remain elevated in many areas of the country, but recent decreases also have been reported, the CDC said Friday.

The CDC also calculates levels of respiratory viruses by state, based on the percentage of reported visits to outpatient healthcare providers or hospital emergency departments for fever, cough or sore throat.

Flu activity across Ohio and the rest of the United States is being driven by the H1N1 strain formerly called swine flu.

The COVID-19 JN.1 variant, which is better at evading the vaccine, is dominant in this country and globally, health experts said.

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, causes respiratory tract infections and spreads through coughs, sneezes and germs on surfaces. In children under age 2, severe RSV can lead to pneumonia and hospitalization.

RSV can also cause severe illness in the elderly.

Vaccines against influenza, COVID-19 and RSV are the best protection against severe illness, according to health experts.

Influenza vaccinations are available at many drugstores, retail stores, the Cuyahoga County Board of Health and doctors offices. Most health insurances cover the cost.

To find a flu shot near you, use this vaccine finder, or call the Cuyahoga County Board of Health at 216-201-2041 to make an appointment to get the flu shot.

The Cleveland Department of Public Health has two health centers that provide flu shots, with walk-ins welcome.

All adults should receive at least one dose of the updated formula of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the CDC. The number of doses needed and intervals between doses may vary depending on a patients prior vaccination history, whether they are immunocompromised, and the vaccine product used.

Pregnant women, parents of infants and adults over 65 should talk to their physician about the RSV vaccine.

Julie Washington covers healthcare for cleveland.com. Read previous stories at this link.

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This is how high respiratory virus levels are in Ohio, across most of U.S. - cleveland.com