CLEVELAND — The flu is being blamed for three deaths in Cuyahoga county last week, including the first pediatric death of this flu season.
The second peak of the flu is here according to experts.
Although, this flu season, is not nearly as severe as last years, it is proving deadly.
“We’re not out of the woods yet,” said Dr. Baruch Fertel with the Cleveland Clinic. “It’s just a matter of time before we get it around here."
He said, states surrounding Ohio are having high flu activity but activity in Ohio is minimal.
In Cuyahoga County, so far this flu season has had nine deaths. Three of those deaths in the last week, a 13-year-old girl, a 59-year-old man, and a 71-year-old man.
“Sometimes people don’t think the flu is very serious, but it’s dangerous,” said Richard Stacklin with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health.
Stacklin said cases of the flu typically peak again in February and the trend continues this year in Cuyahoga County.
The flu season can stretch into May.
Doctors say it is not too late to get a flu shot, even if you do get the flu after getting the vaccine, Fertel said it will be less severe.
Doctor’s advice, get the flu vaccine, wash your hands often and stay home if you are sick.
