Northeast Ohio pediatric hospitals are bracing for a rough stretch as influenza B tears through the region, with children’s facilities reporting a sharp jump in positive tests over the last month. Clinicians say more kids are showing up sicker than in a typical year, and emergency departments along with pediatric units are feeling the strain as case counts climb.
Akron Children’s Lab Numbers Spike
At Akron Children’s Hospital, lab results tell the story. The hospital’s laboratory logged 482 positive influenza B tests for the week of Feb. 8 to 14, out of 1,562 patients tested, putting the positivity rate above 30 percent, according to FOX 8 Cleveland. That is a steep rise from a 20.5 percent positivity rate the previous week and 13.5 percent in mid-January, based on the hospital’s own figures. Staff say the shift to influenza B has been matched by busier pediatric clinics and ERs as more sick kids come through the doors.
State And Federal Data Show Rising Severity
National surveillance is backing up what local doctors are seeing. The CDC reported six influenza-associated pediatric deaths in the past week, bringing this season’s total to 66, and has rated the pediatric age group as experiencing high severity this season, according to the CDC. Closer to home, state data signal mounting pressure as well. The Ohio Department of Health Respiratory Dashboard shows 2,345 influenza-related hospitalizations across Cuyahoga, Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake and Lorain counties in its most recent reporting.
Doctors Say Kids Are Fueling The Spread
Infection-control leaders at University Hospitals told FOX 8 Cleveland that children this season are experiencing more flu complications and are a major engine of transmission in the community. Ohio Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff was in Cleveland this week meeting with clinicians as hospitals monitor capacity and trend lines, the outlet reported. Local physicians are urging families to keep a close eye on symptoms and potential exposures in classrooms, daycares and other kid-heavy settings.
What Parents Should Do Now
Health officials stress that vaccination is still the strongest defense against serious illness and say that antiviral medications started early can lower the risk of severe outcomes for higher-risk children, according to the CDC. Parents are advised to keep sick children home, call their pediatrician about testing and treatment options, and get a flu shot for any child who has not yet been vaccinated this season.
