Ohio is experiencing a rise in flu cases and hospitalizations due to a new influenza A “super flu” strain. Experts recommend vaccination to reduce severity, especially for children and seniors.
Ohio Flu Cases Increase in 2026 as “Super Flu” Strain Spreads
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is reporting a significant rise in flu cases and hospitalizations this season, driven by a new influenza A strain being referred to as the “super flu.”
Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, ODH Director, said the flu season has started off much stronger than usual. “We have very little background immunity in the population, which allows this strain to spread rapidly,” Vanderhoff explained.
The highest-risk groups remain young children under 11 and adults over 65, who are most vulnerable to severe illness. Tragically, the state recently recorded its first pediatric flu death of the season—a teenager from Greene County. Ohio typically experiences between one and eight pediatric flu deaths each year.
Hospitalizations across Ohio are rising sharply. Last week, ODH reported 1,911 flu-related hospitalizations, compared to 1,305 during the same period last year. Vanderhoff noted that Ohio usually sees a pattern of rising flu cases in early January, peaking around February.
Despite concerns about the effectiveness of this year’s flu vaccine against the new strain, Vanderhoff stressed the importance of vaccination. “Even when the vaccine isn’t a perfect match, it still helps reduce the severity of illness,” he said. He strongly encourages Ohio residents to get vaccinated, noting there is still ample time to protect themselves this season.
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