COLUMBUS, Ohio -- It wasn't that long ago the H1N1 flu virus dominated news coverage and conversations at doctors' offices. Things have certainly changed. Now, it seems you can go weeks without hearing about it.
Now, health officials are warning Central Ohioans that we're not out of the woods just yet. In fact, they say they anticipate a new wave of H1N1 to hit -- a wave that could be more dangerous.
Though Dr. Mysheika Lemaile-Williams, Assistant Health Commissioner with Columbus Public Health says cases have dropped significantly since November, there still are cases of H1N1 in Columbus.
She says so far there have been two waves of H1N1, one last spring and another in the fall. She anticipates a third wave in the coming weeks.
"The third wave could be worse, it could be milder," says Lemaile-Williams. "It's hard to say."
She still encourages people to get vaccinated if they haven't and says there is plenty of vaccine available. CPH officials are keeping busy as well.
"We're still being very vigilant," says Lemaile-Williams. "We're still monitoring all of our resources, looking at everything to make sure if we start to see an incline, we can educate the public and remind the public."
Friday, officials at CPH sent out a memo to colleges and universities in Central Ohio warning them to be on the lookout for a spike in flu-like illness.
"There are some reports from North Carolina and Indiana that are concerning, that show in recent month their cases of influenza-like illness has doubled," says Lemaile-Williams.
To get the vaccine, contact your local health department. You can also check with your local pharmacy or grocery store.
Officials tell NBC 4 if you got the vaccine already this season, you are covered until the flu season ends in late April. However you will need to get re-vaccinated next year because the vaccine will wane and there could be a new strain.
For additional information, stay with nbc4i.com and NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail us at stories@nbc4i.com.
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