New numbers released by Ohio and federal health officials show flu cases remain widespread throughout the state.

Nationwide, 47 states have reported elevated flu activity, with federal reports showing Ohio has the highest percentage of people testing positive for the flu in the last week.

Staci Butkus, a nurse practitioner at East Ohio Regional Hospital's branch in St. Clairsville, said she read that the flu vaccine is now approximately 62 percent effective. Butkus said hand washing is still the number-one way to prevent spreading the virus.

"It is a respiratory spread, so talking, touching, being close to anyone that has been infected with the flu, you would want to kind of keep your distance with that," Butkus said.

She said signs and symptoms for the virus come on fast.

"Sudden fever. Everything is abrupt. Often very high fever. It can last up to 2-5 days. Headache, muscle aches, severe weakness. (It) can also be accompanied by cough, sore throat, nasal discharge," she said.

There are anti-viral treatments available for the flu, but they depend on medical history, what stage of the illness the patient is in, and other factors.

Butkus said to keep a close eye on children, who can develop high fevers.

"Sometimes, they may not develop a lot of the respiratory symptoms, but may exhibit signs of nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite," she said.

She said caregivers should especially encourage children to wash their hands every chance they get, especially when arriving home from school, to help prevent the spread of the miserable illness.

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