Elevated levels of flu found in regional city's wastewater, as virus continues to hit Ohio difficult

** Related Video Above: Flu activity ‘‘ really high' in Ohio, health authorities said 2 weeks ago **.

PAINESVILLE, Ohio-- Ohio has been hit hard with the influenza this season, according to information from state and federal authorities.

And just recently, the Painesville Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) has actually discovered ideas in its wastewater system that even more strikes the point home.

WPCP revealed Monday they've found greater levels of Influenza A virus in their untreated wastewater than average. 3 tests in a row revealed the very same results, according to the WPCP.

Graphic courtesy Painesville Water Pollution Control Plant.

" Detection of influenza virus in wastewater can show greater transmission within a neighborhood," stated Maya Scullin, MPH, Epidemiologist with the Ohio Department of Health.

In an interactive map, The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that Ohio is continuing to sit at "very high" in its "Outpatient Respiratory Illness Activity.".

Graphic courtesy CDC.

In the U.S., about 200,000 people are approximated to be hospitalized with the illness each year, leading health authorities to continue to advocate for influenza vaccines for anyone six months and older.

Northeast Ohio has actually especially been struck hard with flu-related hospitalizations this season, as seen in this Ohio Department of Health graphic listed below:.

ODH graphic.

Signs of RSV, strep, flu, COVID: How to tell them apart.

The average flu season usually continues through March. Learn how to get a vaccine right here.