Flu Cases Continue Rapid Surge In PA, Vaccinations Urged
PENNSYLVANIA — COVID-19 isn't the only illness causing problems this winter. Cases of influenza have continued their comeback across Pennsylvania amid the ongoing rise in omicron cases.
State officials urged residents to get their flu vaccine during a briefing on Thursday, citing 28,475 laboratory-confirmed cases as of this week, along with 16 deaths. That's some 11,000 cases that have been confirmed just in the New Year.
“It is not too late to get your flu vaccine if you have not already done so,” Deputy Secretary of Health Preparedness and Community Protection Ray Barishansky said during a public appearance in Norristown on Thursday afternoon. “We know that people who get the flu after being vaccinated have less severe symptoms and are not sick for as long as those who do not get vaccinated."
Officials are also reminding residents that coronavirus vaccines provide no protection from the flu.
Flu cases, including both influenza A and B, have been increasing in recent weeks. The illness has been confirmed in all 67 counties in the state. Symptoms include fever, cough, and sore throat.
Flu seasons do vary with intensity by nature, officials note, and more people are getting tested this year because many flu symptoms are similar to COVID-19 symptoms. However, cases are significantly higher now than this time last year, and higher than the same week in 2019 as well.
The Department of Health added that the flu case level is still below the state epidemic threshold" at this time.
"If you do become sick with the flu, it is imperative that you stay home," Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson said. "If you are at risk for developing serious complications from the flu, or feel extremely ill, you should see a medical professional immediately to determine your need for testing or isolation."
There are also signs that fewer people are getting flu shots compared with last year. Flu vaccinations are even more important now, authorities say, as hospital capacity remains critical in many parts of the state due to the explosion of COVID-19 cases.
To find a flu vaccine near you, see here.
Pennsylvania is not the only state seeing a flu resurgence. Flu activity is increasing most in eastern and central parts of the country, according to the most recent CDC data. The western part of the country, however, is reporting lower flu numbers.
This article originally appeared on the Across Pennsylvania Patch
