Flu cases tapering off on typical high point, Valley specialists say

YOUNGSTOWN

Local infectious-disease physicians and the Ohio Department of Health say influenza is tapering off even though the Valentine’s Day weekend is typically the peak of the flu season.

Influenza-like illnesses are down, said Dr. John Bower, infectious disease specialist for Akron Children’s Hospital in Akron, Mahoning and Trumbull counties, and pediatrician Dr. John Venglarcik III, medical director for the Mahoning County Board of Health and an infectious-disease specialist.

Dr. Bower said, however, it is not too late to get a flu shot, which while not as effective as desired this season, still provides protection against some types of flu virus floating around.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the Northern Hemisphere seasonal flu outbreaks can happen as early as October, usually peaks between December and February, with activity as late as May.

Read more about the situation in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.