(Mentor) - Influenza activity remains in full swing in Northeast Ohio. The Lake County General Health District reports four additional flu-related deaths since its last update on January 9, 2018.
These individuals, three females and one male, were all over 80 years of age.
To date this flu season, Lake County has experienced a total of seven flu-related deaths, all adults over the age of 65.
Disease surveillance software utilized by Lake County General Health District reveals 115 healthcare visits in Lake County over this past weekend for Influenza-Like Illnesses.
Reported symptoms include vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, cough and headache.
The district's Tara Perkins contends, the flu vaccine still remains the best defense in reducing ones chance of contracting the flu or shortening the duration of the flu.
Perkins tells Newsradio WTAM 1100, flu vaccines can be administered at your local healthcare provider, local pharmacy or at LCGHD. She offers additional suggestions to assist in preventing the flu, and they include the following:
•Wash your hands often, especially after sneezing or coughing and when preparing meals.
•When sneezing, sneeze into the crease of your arm, near your elbow. This will reduce the spread of germs to your hands which could then travel to other people and surfaces.
•Drink plenty of water and eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
•Stay home if you are sick. Give your body time to recover and to protect your colleagues from getting sick.
•Try to reduce your stress levels. This can cause your body to become rundown, making it more likely to picking up viruses.
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