While lawmakers in neighboring states debate loosening vaccine requirements for school-aged children, Ohio is facing a frightening example of how quickly potentially dangerous (and deadly) illnesses can spread.

In fact, doctors in the Buckeye State are stressing that even at this point in the season, it is important to get vaccinated against influenza — if you have not done so already. Among those urging getting the flu shot was Dr. Mia Antinone, Ohio Health’s family resident physician, who spoke with WSYX after the state recorded its first pediatric flu death of the 2024-25 season.

“There’s been so many viral illnesses going around. Flu is the one that right now in February we’re seeing the most of,” she told the news station. ” … The flu shot is not meant for you to not get the flu. It’s to protect you from getting hospitalized and having a really severe case of the flu.”

And in a state where the flu is spreading like wildfire, vaccination is an important personal and public safety measure.

The Ohio Department of Health recommends checking here — vaccines.gov/en/ — to find a provider.

(In case you’re wondering, the only places where there is low to minimal flu activity are the Northern Mariana Islands, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.)

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for three weeks now Ohio has been at the very highest level of influenza activity level — one of only ten states in the country where the risk is so great. In the week ending Feb. 15, the number of Ohioans who had to be hospitalized because of the flu increased dramatically — 25.75% over the previous week.

Surely we did not learn so little about how to stem the spread of a potentially deadly illness after dealing with COVID-19.

Get vaccinated, stay distanced, (if you are sick, stay at home or isolated if you are able), cover your coughs and sneezes, wash and sanitize your hands often, wear a mask while in public if you prefer … we all know the drill.

But knowing and doing are two different things. Take the precautions we know work, folks.