Sycamore Community District schools and Cincinnati Country Day see rising flu cases

Several Sycamore Community District schools and Cincinnati Country Day are experiencing high levels of influenza and influenza-like illnesses, according to Hamilton County Public Health.

The Sycamore Community School District has reported 40 cases, while Cincinnati Country Day has reported 80. 

Mike Samet, public information officer for Hamilton County Public Health, said those numbers are high enough to take notice. It's likely health officials will alert other schools that local numbers are rising for school-age kids.

Samet said the health department collects data on influenza from a number of sources within Hamilton County, including medical providers, hospitals, and emergency rooms. HCPH also monitors state reports to track the spread of flu in Ohio.

More: Here's what Greater Cincinnati schools are doing about the flu

More:Cincinnati Children's Hospital expert on what to do to protect your family from the flu

While the reported number of doctor visits and hospitalizations in Ohio due to flu dropped last week, they were still higher than normal. Samet said those numbers may still not give a full picture.

"Many people don't see a doctor when they suspect they have the flu," Samat said. "They hunker down at home and tough it out."

Health officials said it's important for seniors, the very young and school-aged children to take precautions to stay healthy, as the flu can be more dangerous for them.

To avoid getting the flu, the health department recommends that you stay away from sick people, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth and get a flu vaccination.

More:Take the news with you. Download the Cincinnati.com app.

It’s not too late to get vaccinated. As long as flu viruses are circulating, vaccination should continue throughout the flu season, even in February or later. While flu vaccine can vary in how well it works, it is the best way to prevent flu illness and serious flu complications, including those that can result in hospitalization. 

Even with vaccine effectiveness in the range of 30 to 60 percent, flu vaccination prevents millions of illnesses and tens of thousands of flu-related hospitalizations each year.