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Ohio Faces Spike in Flu Hospitalizations as New ‘Super Flu’ Strain Spreads

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Hospitalizations climb sharply, surpassing last year’s figures The Ohio Department of Health recorded 1,911 flu‑related hospitalizations last week, a steep rise from the 1,305 admissions during the same period in 2025. Officials attribute the surge to a newly identified influenza A variant dubbed the “super flu.” The rapid increase signals a faster spread and heightened clinical burden compared with the previous season [1].

First pediatric death underscores heightened risk for children ODH confirmed the season’s first pediatric flu fatality, a teenager from Greene County, marking a serious development in a state that typically sees one to eight child deaths annually. Health officials identified children under 11 and adults over 65 as the groups most vulnerable to severe illness from this strain. The death amplifies concerns about the virus’s impact on younger populations [1].

Low community immunity and vaccine push despite mismatch State health leaders say minimal background immunity to the new strain is facilitating its swift transmission across Ohio. Director Bruce Vanderhoff urged residents to receive the flu vaccine, noting that even a mismatched shot can lessen disease severity and protect high‑risk groups. The call to vaccinate comes as hospitals brace for continued pressure [1].

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Timeline

Nov 2025 – Ohio health officials observe a noticeable rise in influenza activity across the state since late November, signaling an early start to the 2025‑2026 flu season and foreshadowing a potentially severe peak later in the winter [2].

Dec 31, 2025 – The Ohio Department of Health confirms the season’s first pediatric flu death, a teenager from Greene County, describing the loss as “tragic” and reminding parents that Ohio typically sees one to seven flu‑related child deaths each year [2].

Jan 8, 2026 – Ohio reports higher‑than‑normal flu activity driven by a new influenza A “super‑flu” strain; the Ohio Department of Health logs 1,911 flu‑related hospitalizations in the past week, up from 1,305 at the same time a year earlier, and notes that children under 11 and adults over 65 face the greatest risk of severe illness [1].

Jan 8, 2026 – State health director Bruce Vanderhoff urges Ohio residents to get vaccinated despite an imperfect vaccine match, emphasizing that the shot still reduces illness severity and that there remains time to obtain protection during the ongoing season [1].

2025‑2026 flu season (through Feb 2026) – Public‑health guidance stresses hand‑washing, respiratory etiquette, staying home when sick, and widespread vaccine availability through providers, health departments, and pharmacies to curb the spread of the aggressive strain [2][1].

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