Cleveland Health Update: Winter Viruses Ease, Eye Care Expands, and Extra Caution for Immunosuppressed Patients

Respiratory season: fewer severe cases, but not zero

Clinicians across Northeast Ohio are reporting a calmer winter for the ‘big three’ respiratory viruses: flu, COVID-19, and RSV. A Feb. 17 Ideastream report noted that while these infections are still circulating, overall hospitalizations and deaths appear lower than last year.

The takeaway for families is simple: don’t let ‘better’ turn into ‘ignored.’ If you or someone in your home is older, pregnant, immunocompromised, or has asthma, COPD, heart disease, or diabetes, staying current on recommended vaccines and calling a primary care office early for worsening symptoms can prevent complications.

Cleveland Clinic expands eye-care capacity

Access to specialty care is also in the spotlight. News 5 Cleveland reported that Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute has begun welcoming patients into the new Jeffrey and Patricia Cole Pavilion, a four-story addition designed to increase exam, procedure, and operating-room capacity.

For patients, expansions like this can translate into smoother visits and potentially shorter waits—especially for common needs such as cataract evaluations, glaucoma monitoring, diabetic eye disease management, and age-related macular degeneration care.

Transplant recovery reminder: infections hit harder

Another local story with a broader health message: Browns legend Bernie Kosar marked a three-month milestone after liver transplant surgery, according to News 5. He emphasized what many transplant recipients live with daily—immune-suppressing medications can make routine winter illnesses much riskier.

If your family is visiting someone who is post-transplant or otherwise immunosuppressed, consider a layered plan: postpone visits when sick, improve indoor ventilation, wash hands before close contact, and ask the patient’s care team what precautions make the most sense right now.

Looking ahead: more ‘under one roof’ neurologic care

News 5 also highlighted Cleveland Clinic’s plans for a large Neurological Institute building intended to bring services together and support collaboration across teams. Large projects can take time, but they are a reminder that Cleveland’s medical corridor is continuing to invest in high-demand specialty care.

What you can do this week

Check your household’s flu and COVID vaccine status; ask about RSV protection if you’re in a higher-risk group.
Don’t wait on red flags: trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, dehydration, or symptoms that rapidly worsen.
If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, keep routine eye exams on your calendar—silent damage is common.

Sources

https://www.ideastream.org/health/2026-02-17/northeast-ohio-doctors-see-fewer-severe-virus-cases-this-winter-despite-weeks-of-extreme-cold
https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/we-follow-through/cleveland-clinics-cole-eye-institute-welcomes-patients-to-new-jeffrey-and-patricia-cole-pavilion
https://www.news5cleveland.com/sports/browns/bernie-kosar-celebrates-3-month-milestone-of-liver-transplant-surgery
https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/cleveland-metro/cleveland-clinic-announces-plans-to-build-1-million-square-foot-neurological-institute