In a concerning trend, Ohio hospitals have recently seen a small uptick in COVID-19 patients over the past two weeks. As a result, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advocating for individuals to get updated COVID, flu, and RSV vaccines when they are released this fall, aiming to protect themselves against respiratory illnesses.

According to data from the Ohio Department of Health, only 11.77% of Ohioans received the last COVID vaccine update, a slight increase from the 9.3% reported in December. Recognizing the effectiveness of vaccines, Dr. Rhea Rowser, a primary care doctor at Kettering Health, emphasized the importance of prevention before a potential crisis arises.

The updated CDC recommendations for the upcoming 2024-2025 flu season assert that everyone aged 6 months and older should receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine. This simplification of guidelines removes the previous confusing instructions that varied based on previous vaccination dates or patient age.

Moderna, Novavax, and Pfizer are slated to release updated COVID-19 vaccines later this year, as announced by the CDC. Once the new vaccines become available, the CDC's recommendation will take effect promptly.

A closer look at the vaccine distribution across Ohio counties reveals that Montgomery County saw 11.51% of its population receiving the most recent COVID vaccine, whereas Greene County had a slightly higher rate of 12.07%. Conversely, Preble County had the lowest percentage, with only 6.73% of residents receiving the latest vaccine. Butler County reported a rate of 9.75%, while Warren County stood at 11.87%.

Nationally, the CDC reported that over 916,300 people were hospitalized due to COVID-19 in 2023, resulting in more than 75,500 deaths. Additionally, during the 2023-2024 flu season, over 44,900 individuals are estimated to have died from flu complications, according to the CDC.

CDC director Dr. Mandy Cohen stressed the importance of vaccination, stating, "Our top recommendation for protecting yourself and your loved ones from respiratory illness is to get vaccinated." Dr. Cohen urged individuals to plan ahead and ensure they receive both the updated flu and COVID vaccines this fall, ahead of the respiratory virus season.

While Ohio is witnessing the continued spread of COVID-19, doctors have noted that the severity of symptoms is not as pronounced as with previous strains. Dr. Rowser observed an increase in COVID cases presenting with sinus-related symptoms such as body aches, headaches, and congestion, resembling flu or upper respiratory tract infections. This shift has led to more cases being initially mistaken for sinus infections.

Over the past week, Ohio reported 83 hospitalizations and eight deaths related to COVID-19, with one ICU admission, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Although hospitalizations and deaths have remained consistent with the three-week average, COVID-related emergency room visits indicated a 23.3% increase in the most recent week. The CDC reported that 0.9% of emergency room visits nationwide were diagnosed as COVID.

Furthermore, the CDC highlighted that hospitalizations related to COVID have not significantly increased or decreased in the recent week, with 1.5 hospitalizations per 100,000 people. COVID-related deaths constitute 0.8% of overall deaths in the United States, marking a 14.3% increase in the most recent week.

Dr. Rowser emphasized the importance of continued protection against COVID, stating, "You're still seeing COVID out there, so you still need to protect yourself against it, just like you do the flu." The CDC recommends that individuals aged 6 months and older get an updated flu shot this fall, with September and October being the optimal timeframe for most people. Pregnant individuals in their third trimester can receive a flu vaccine in July or August to safeguard their infants' health.

Additionally, the CDC updated its recommendations for RSV vaccinations for adults, now advising that individuals aged 75 and older should receive the vaccine. The new guidelines prioritize high-risk individuals for serious RSV-related illnesses, including those aged 60-74 with specific chronic health conditions or residing in nursing homes.

As fall approaches, it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and prioritize their health by getting updated vaccines. Ohio's slight increase in COVID-19 cases serves as a reminder that preventive measures are still necessary to ensure public safety.