CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The flu season is worsening, but health officials say there's still time to fight back.
Two hundred and fifty-seven Ohioans have been hospitalized for the flu so far this season, above the five-year average for this period. But the Ohio Department of Health says it's not too late to get a vaccine to prevent the illness.
The department and the federal Centers for Disease Control recommend that everyone six months and older contact health care providers for the shot as soon as possible. It takes about two weeks for the shot to have its full effect.
The flu season picks up in October and can last into May. The peak period is December through February.
According to the CDC, about three of every five Americans have not been vaccinated this season, and neither have two out of every three pregnant women.
"Pregnant women and their young infants are at high risk for serious complications from the flu," said Dr. Clint Koenig, medical director of the Ohio Department of Health.
Influenza can produce fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some cases prove fatal.
Vaccines are offered at many medical facilities, pharmarcies, health departments, schools and workplaces. For more information, see flu.ohio.