DOSES — The Jefferson County General Health District’s store of influenza vaccines, subsidized and private-pay, can be tapped into by members of the public. -- Christopher Dacanay

STEUBENVILLE — It’s characterized by a fever, chills, a headache, coughing and a host of other possible, unpleasant symptoms.

Whether you’ve had it yet or not, you’ve almost certainly heard something about influenza, which has laid up Americans with surprising vigor this winter season.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in its weekly U.S. influenza surveillance report, says that seasonal influenza activity remained “elevated” as of Feb. 15. Overall and across all age groups, this season is classified as a “high-severity season,” being the first to warrant that classification since 2017-2018.

According to the federal public health agency’s estimates, there have been 33 million illnesses, 430,000 hospitalizations and 19,000 deaths from the flu so far this season.

West Virginia and Ohio have not been spared from the disease’s activity. Public health officials in Hancock and Jefferson counties report seeing a peak in cases that will hopefully run its course soon.

Michelle Berneburg, a registered nurse for the Hancock County Health Department, said numbers show heightened activity across the board for respiratory illnesses in the county, including COVID-19 and RSV.

However, the predominant illness has been influenza A, particularly the (H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) strains, with some B strain cases also in circulation. Berneburg pointed to a Friday letter from the West Virginia Department of Health that says elevated respiratory illness levels date back to late January.

“For the past week, the percentage of individuals seeking care for flu-like symptoms in emergency departments and urgent care offices has increased to nearly 9 percent of total visits in the eastern part of the state,” WVDOH epidemiologist Shannon McBee wrote in the letter, adding, “Influenza activity is currently very high in the Mountain State.”

McBee continued: “Information reported from emergency departments and urgent care offices is just one measure the department of health monitors during the respiratory season. The number of outbreaks occurring in congregate settings, such as schools and long-term care facilities is also increasing, as well as the percent of positive laboratory reports for influenza.”

The Hancock County Health Department’s infectious disease outbreak investigator, Berneburg said influenza cases appear year-round and typically peak between January and February.

“We are seeming to peak a little bit later than we usually do because we’re getting toward the end of February. It could (extend) into May. We have to see where it’s going. I hope we get a handle on it sooner than that.”

To get those numbers down, Berneburg said, the public should practice frequent handwashing, and those who are sick should remain at home.

It’s also not too late to get vaccinated for influenza, Berneburg added. People can inquire with pharmacies or their primary care physician for vaccine availability. The health department also offers vaccines, private-paid and at reduced rates for qualifying individuals.

Additionally, the WVDOH’s letter recommends that those who become ill seek medical advice from their health care provider in order to ensure ”

Ohio’s flu activity levels have been “very high” for at least two weeks, according to Dr. Jane Culp, medical director at the Jefferson County General Health District.

Hospitalization rates show a decrease this January compared to January 2024, Culp said, but an increase this February compared to last year. Culp said all parameters tracked in relation to flu A cases are at heightened levels, including emergency room visits, antipyretic sales and hospitalizations for respiratory problems.

Culp noted that pediatric deaths attributed to flu A number fewer than 60 nationwide — with the CDC reporting 18 influenza-associated deaths out of a total 86 pediatric deaths this season, as of Feb. 15.

“There’s more flu A activity this year than last year,” Culp said. “We didn’t see these numbers last year that peaked in February. Usually, for our county, we see the highest levels of influenza in January and February. I think it’s peaking a little bit later this year, but it’s still February. I imagine we’ll see higher numbers into March, but we won’t know until it gets here.”

Culp advised that, amid the increased flu activity, sick individuals should refrain from work and stay home. People should wash their hands as best as possible and, especially if they’ve been exposed to someone who’s sick.

The flu vaccine is still available for those who haven’t obtained it yet, Culp said, noting that 10 days to 14 days may have to pass before the vaccine begins its response in the recipient. Culp said individuals should contact local pharmacies or the health district office to inquire about vaccine availability. The health district offers private-pay and subsidized vaccines.

“It’s a seasonal virus,” Culp said. “It’s something that we expect every year. That’s why the new vaccine was developed.”

The Brooke County Health Department was unable to provide comments.