The flu is raging across Pennsylvania –– and the four-county region hasn’t been spared, health officials are reporting.
Nate Wardle of the Pennsylvania Department of Health called flu season widespread and serious, though what is being experienced is nothing new in the commonwealth.
“The flu is a disease that is typically self-containing, meaning it will run its course and there is not a lot that one can do,” he said. “Individuals who are particularly suffering should see a medical professional to see if they need antiviral drugs or other medications to help them.”
From Oct. 1 to Jan. 20, the state Department of Health reported that 125 flu cases occurred in Elk County; 100 in Potter County; 62 in McKean County; and 38 in Cameron County. Statewide, reported cases of the flu total 25,497.
Just a few weeks ago, the state Department of Health reported that, from Oct. 1 through Jan. 6, Elk County has logged 65 cases of the flu; Potter County, 50; Cameron County, 29; and McKean County, 19.
Janene Dunn, spokeswoman for Bradford Regional Medical Center, said flu activity is still moderate for influenza A and B.
The state Department of Health reports that 47 influenza-associated deaths have occurred in Pennsylvania, including one person aged 0 to 18; one person aged 19 to 49; nine people aged 50 to 64; and 36 aged 65-plus.
“We cannot give out information on individual flu deaths due to patient privacy concerns,” Wardle said, declining to give county-specific data.
The same goes for Bradford Regional Medical Center, Dunn said.
How impactful the flu is varies from person to person, Wardle said. For a majority of individuals, while having the flu is miserable, the illness is manageable, he said. But then there are serious complications resulting from the flu, Wardle said.
“For normally healthy people, dehydration is a major concern with the flu,” Wardle said. “If people are not staying hydrated, it can become a major problem and cause other issues.”
Typical flu symptoms include fever, achiness, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat and congestion.
“Anyone who believes they have the flu and the symptoms expand past these symptoms should see their doctor immediately,” Wardle said.
Those individuals who are susceptible to serious complications from the flu, such as the very young, older people, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes and heart and lung disease, should immediately visit his or her doctor. That way, he or she can be seen and obtain antiviral drugs, Wardle said.
The flu can last up to seven to 10 days, but if the illness lasts, Wardle said it is critical for that person to see a doctor.
“Even when you are sick, most people know their body,” he said. “If things don’t feel right, and it seems like there is more going on than the flu, it is important to be seen by a doctor or medical professional. All doctors would agree they would rather see you in the office than in the hospital.”
State officials urge individuals to get a flu shot. Wardle said that this measure is the most important aspect to protecting oneself against the flu.
“Even if the flu vaccine is not a great match for a particular strain and you do get sick, having received the flu vaccine will work to reduce the severity of the flu, and also the duration,” Wardle said.
People can also protect themselves from influenza by using basic hygiene measures, he said.
“People should be frequently washing their hands, particularly if they are around people who are sick. People who are sick should stay home,” he said. “Staying home will allow them to get rest, and also prevent them from getting other people sick.”
In addition, individuals should cough into their elbow, not their hands.
“Coughing into your hands spreads the flu virus particles to the hands, and then anything you touch is infected,” Wardle said.
For more information about the flu, see www.flufreepa.com.
