In Franklin County,  the Columbus Public Health states that around 28 people have been hospitalized for the flu: 36% are adults. Questions have been arising lately due to the regular sicknesses during this time of the year but also because of the ebola scare lately.

This number is two times more than they had last year. CPH says it is attempting to track the flu through hospitalizations, laboratory-test results, emergency-department visits, and medication sales.

Older people are at greater risk for catching the flu because of their weaker immune systems. But young adults who smoke and have health issues like asthma are at risk as well.

A flu shot is the greatest protection against the virus. Flu vaccines are widely available and are recommended by public-health leaders to everyone 6 months and older.

Written by Nabeel Khan’15