Emergency rooms across the county were inundated last week, with more than 450 people seeking relief from severe flu symptoms.
Richard Stacklin, a data analyst at the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, says last week was the worst for emergency departments in the past five years. Hospitalizations are also up.
"We've seen more than 300-flu related hospitalizations in the last three weeks," Stacklin says.
That's more than SEVEN times the average for this time of year.
And while it's difficult to predict, Stacklin says he suspects the trend would continue for the next few weeks. So, he has a bit of advice to folllow:
"People should take heed and get their flu vaccine. It's the best way to help protect yourselves," Stacklin says.
You should also wash your hands frequently, and try not to touch common public surfaces.