Rise of flu cases in Cincinnati highlights steps emergency departments take when at capacity
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UC medical Center doctor says thier emergency department is not yet overwhelmed but is seeing an uptick in flu cases.
Updated: 5:02 PM EST jan 1, 2026
Cincinnati and much of ohio are experiencing a surge in flu cases, with the Buckeye State reporting its frist flu-related death of the season – a teenager from Greene County. The increase in cases is straining emergency departments,leading to a system where patients might potentially be directed to alternative hospitals for quicker care.
WLWT News Five’s todd is reporting live from UC Health, explaining how Cincinnati’s hospitals are working to ensure patients receive timely care. The goal, according to UC’s Emergency Department Medical Director, dr.Rob Thompson, is to make sure patients “get the care they need as soon as possible.”
“We’re certainly seeing an increase number of flu patients. looking at the data, I think we’re on target a little bit earlier than we were last year,” Dr. Thompson stated. He described the varied symptoms of the flu, ranging from body aches and headaches to coughs, sore throats, and even gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
While UC Medical Center hasn’t been overwhelmed, a spokesperson for The Health Collaborative, which works with hospitals in the area, reports several local emergency departments have been experiencing important crowds.
To manage capacity, alerts are sent to EMS crews. When a hospital is at capacity, EMS personnel inform patients of the situation, offering them the option to receive care at a less crowded facility. This system is designed to build resilience into the region’s healthcare system during outbreaks like the flu.
“That’s why we trained in emergency medicine and have opportunities to be prepared for this. If we see a huge spike, we will be ready to care for patients with the flu or COVID or both,” Dr. Thompson explained.
Despite the current surge, Dr.Thompson emphasizes it’s not too late to get vaccinated against both the flu and COVID-19. Though, he advises those currently experiencing symptoms to wait a week or so before getting vaccinated to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Flu Cases Rise, Prompting Regional Healthcare Collaboration
As winter descends, cases of influenza are increasing, prompting medical professionals across the region to prepare for a potential surge. While no single hospital is currently overwhelmed, collaborative systems are in place to manage capacity and ensure patients receive timely care. Experts emphasize the importance of vaccination and preparedness as the flu season progresses, alongside continued vigilance regarding COVID-19.
Increased Flu Activity Reported
Dr. Rob Thompson, medical director of the UC Medical Center Emergency Department, confirmed an uptick in flu patients. “We’re certainly seeing an increased number of flu patients,” he stated. According to Dr. Thompson, the current flu season is progressing on schedule, or even slightly ahead of last year’s timeline. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm (Centers for Disease control and Prevention – Weekly Flu Report)
Variable Symptoms and Regional Strain
The symptoms of influenza can vary substantially from person to person. dr. Thompson explained, “Everyone kind of experiences different symptoms. You can have…just body aches and feeling rundown and some headaches. Some people have…a cough, sore throat, runny nose, and some people can have GI symptoms. So feeling nauseated, vomiting, diarrhea.Everyone’s a little different.”
While UC Medical Center isn’t currently facing capacity issues, The Health Collaborative, a partnership of local hospitals, reports that several emergency departments are experiencing large crowds. To mitigate strain,a system is in place where alerts are sent to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) crews when hospitals reach their limits. EMS personnel then inform patients about alternative care locations, allowing them to seek quicker treatment.This coordinated approach aims to bolster the resilience of the regional healthcare system during periods of high disease transmission.
Preparedness and the Importance of Vaccination
Emergency medicine professionals routinely train for situations like seasonal flu surges. “That’s why we train in emergency medicine and have opportunities to be prepared for this. If we see a huge spike, we will be ready to care for patients with the flu or Covid or both,” Dr. Thompson emphasized.
He strongly advises that it’s not too late to receive vaccinations against both influenza and COVID-19. He recommends waiting at least a week after symptom onset before getting vaccinated to allow the body to begin recovery.
Herd Immunity and Vaccine Effectiveness
Vaccination remains the most effective method of protection against both the flu and COVID-19. “Vaccines are the number one way to protect yourself,” Dr. Thompson stated. “They’re not going to be 100 percent, but if you do get…flu or COVID after you get the vaccine, it should lessen the course or the symptoms that you’re experiencing or the severity.”
Beyond individual protection, vaccination contributes to “herd immunity,” safeguarding those who are unable to be vaccinated. “And it helps protect you. And (the) more and more people who are vaccinated, it also protects people around them that maybe can’t get the vaccine. And so that’s a big, important thing, the herd immunity.” https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/herd-immunity-explained (World Health Institution – Herd Immunity Explained)