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The onset of the flu season is nothing to take lightly in Northeast Ohio and across the country.
As of February 12, 1,359 individuals suffering from symptoms of influenza had been admitted as patients to Cleveland Clinic and its regional hospitals — the highest number of inpatients we’ve seen in recent years. Nationally, over 17,101 people have been hospitalized, many suffering from influenza A(H3N2), the most frequently reported subtype of influenza this season. According to the CDC, 63 children have died from the flu since October 1, 2017.
According to Dr. Susan Rehm, vice chair of the Department of Infectious Disease at Cleveland Clinic, “The flu is predictably unpredictable. Are we at the peak yet? That’s really something we can only say after” the season ends.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends annual seasonal flu vaccination for everyone age 6 months and older, including children and adolescents.
RELATED: Cleveland Clinic Flu Clinics Throughout Northeast Ohio
The good news is that those experiencing non-emergency flu symptoms don’t have to brave the elements to seek diagnosis or treatment. A telemedicine service — Cleveland Clinic Express Care Online — brings healthcare directly to the patient, wherever they are, via smartphone, tablet or computer. So far this flu season, we estimate Cleveland Clinic providers have seen 191 flu patients through Express Care Online. Plus, the expense — $49.00, which is covered by many medical plans — is less than the normal cost of urgent care or emergency room visit.
RELATED: You Think You’ve Got The Flu: What You Should Do
Key benefits of the Express Care Online option are that patients save the time and effort of driving to a medical center, and they avoid spreading the flu to other people. Since most people diagnosed with flu are treated with bed rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications, an in-person visit may not be necessary.
RELATED: Will Cold and Flu Products Help (or Harm) Your Child
Express Care Online may be accessed through the Express Care app, which can be used to diagnose and treat a variety of injuries and illnesses, including the flu.
Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. Cleveland Clinic is consistently recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 81,000 employees worldwide are more than 5,743 salaried physicians and researchers, and 20,160 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,690-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 23 hospitals, 276 outpatient facilities, including locations in northeast Ohio; Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2023, there were 13.7 million outpatient encounters, 323,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 301,000 surgeries and procedures throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 132 countries. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at twitter.com/CleClinicNews. News and resources available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.
Editor’s Note: Cleveland Clinic News Service is available to provide broadcast-quality interviews and B-roll upon request.
