A Salem Regional Medical Center lab employee prepares a swab for flu testing. (Submitted photo courtesy of Debbie Pietrzak)

SALEM — With influenza cases and hospitalizations on the rise nationwide and locally, Salem’s healthcare professionals are offering insights into how to protect yourself and those around you.

Dr. Anita Hackstedde, president and CEO of the Salem Regional Medical Center (SRMC), said that the SRMC “has seen a significant increase in both Emergency Department visits and hospitalizations related to the flu.” She said that so far this flu season there have been “almost twice as many hospital admissions during this flu season” as in 2024, and that positive flue tests “have also doubled this year compared to last year, and almost all of the tests have shown the influenza A virus.”

Health Commissioner Kayla Crowl said that there were four hospitalizations reported in the city in January, an increase from two in January last year. Those numbers continued to rise in February, with Salem City Health District Director of Nursing Chelsea Clark noting that while a specific figure was unavailable Tuesday, there had been more hospitalizations in February than January, compared to zero hospitalizations in February last year. Clark also said that as of Feb. 22, flu activity in northeast Ohio was considered very high and that while the number of cases reported were beginning to taper off, she stressed the importance of flu vaccination.

“It’s still very important to make sure you get your flu vaccine,” said Clark.

Clark said that while the health department has seen an increase in flu vaccinations in the city this year, they are down statewide and that both state and nationwide vaccination rates have declined year on year since 2022. Clark said that these declining vaccination rates could be a contributing factor to increased flu cases.

Crowl, Clark, and Hackstedde, all said that getting the flu vaccine not only reduces your risk of getting the flu but reduces the risk of severe infection and hospitalization if you do become sick. Clark said that anyone aged six months or older can get the vaccine, and that pregnant women, children under five, people over the age of 65, people with chronic conditions, people living in a care or assisted living facility, or anyone living with or caring for a person at a higher risk for complications from the flu should ensure they get the vaccine.

Hackstedde said that SRMC offers the vaccine to inpatients who have not already received the vaccine, and that its employees are given the opportunity to receive the shot each year throughout flu season. Crowl and Clark said that the health department offers flu vaccines for both uninsured and insured residents of all ages, and the Fluzone High-Dose vaccine recommended for people aged 65 and up. Residents can call the health department at 330-332-1618 to schedule a flu vaccine.

Hackstedde said that flu symptoms typically have a more sudden onset than the common cold, and that symptoms may include “fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, and respiratory symptoms; including a runny nose, congestion and sore throat.” Clark said that flu symptoms can be severe enough to require hospitalization especially in young children and in severe cases can be fatal; and that adults should consider an emergency response if they experience: shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, sever or consistent vomiting, and flu-like symptoms which initially improve but return with a fever may require an emergency response.

Crowl said that typically in cases of flu that do not result in hospitalization treatment is focused on mitigating symptoms. Clark and Hackstedde said that in severe or high-risk cases, or if caught early a healthcare provider may prescribe medication which can help reduce the length and severity of the flu.

“If you have a severe infection or are at high risk of complications from a flu infection, your provider may prescribe an antiviral medicine, such as Tamiflu, to treat the flu. Antiviral treatments may help, especially if given in the first 48 hours, along with rest and supportive treatment for fevers and congestion,” said Hackstedde.

Hackstedde said that if you catch the flu, you should drink plenty of liquids like water, juice, and warm soups, to keep fluids in your body; get plenty of sleep to help your immune system combat the infection, and that you can consider using pain relievers to ease their symptoms including “acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin IB) for fever, headache or achiness associated with the influenza” in adults, noting the children and teens recovering from flu-like symptoms should not take Aspirin.

Like all viruses, proper hand washing, respiratory etiquette (covering your mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing), and staying home when you’re sick can reduce the chances of spreading the flu to others. Clark and Crowl said that additional steps to curtail spread both in public and at home include wearing a face mask and social distancing.

“To help control the spread, stay home and keep sick children home until the fever is gone without the use of medicine for 24 hours,” said Hackstedde.

“If you do come down with the flu stay hydrated, stay home, and stay away from other people if you can. If you’re short of breath call 911 and get treated, it is a serious illness just like any other respiratory infection,” said Crowl.

Crowl said that if someone in your household has the flu it is likely you’ve already been exposed, but that remaining separate from the sick person as much as possible and frequently sanitizing common surfaces like doorknobs, remotes, and faucets, can help reduce the risk of infection.

mahart@mojonews.com