(Cincinnati, OH) -- A 4-year-old boy has died from the flu, as the number of flue related hospitalizations spike in Ohio. The rise in flu cases across Greater Cincinnati is now forcing hospitals to adjust visitation policies.
Mercy Health and University of Cincinnati Medical Center officials say they're not allowing anyone under 14-years-old to visit patients to keep the illness from spreading.
The state has seen over 3,800 flu-associated hospitalizations sense the flu season began in October of last year. Health Officials say 1,750 of those, were reported during the first week of January. The number of flu cases typically peak between December and February.
The CDC says this year's flu virus in the U.S. could reach epidemic proportions soon. People are being reminded to wash their hands often, stay home if they're sick and get vaccinated to hold the illness at bay.
The flu vaccine also has not proven to be very effective against this year's main strain because of a virus mutation but Doctors say getting shot will help make sure, if you get the flu, the symptoms will not be as severe.