Flu season has arrived and Pennsylvania has reported hundreds of laboratory-confirmed cases and one flu-associated death.
Earlier this week, the Pennsylvania Department of Health urged residents to get the flu shot before the season intensifies. They noted the importance of keeping people out of hospitals during the coronavirus pandemic.
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As of the end of last month, the Keystone State reported 480 laboratory-confirmed flu cases, 12 flu-associated hospitalizations, and one flu-associated death statewide.
“We are two months into this flu season and 10 months into the COVID-19 pandemic,” state Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “This is not the time to become complacent in safety practices. Instead, do your part to answer the call to wear a mask, wash your hands, social distance, download the COVID Alert PA app and follow all of the mitigation efforts in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 and the flu.”
State officials said flu activity is so far low across the state with positive cases being reported in 40 of the 67 counties.
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Data for the past several flu seasons in Pennsylvania show the flu season normally doesn’t kick up until January and February.
Doctors have suggested that wearing of masks, improved hygiene, and physical distancing could lead to a tempered flu season.
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While the annual flu vaccine doesn’t protect against all strains of the virus, it can help. In a year where hospitals are busy due to COVID-19, avoiding the hospital is important.
“Influenza vaccine in a good year is generally between 40 and 60 percent effective,” Walter Orenstein, associate director of the Emory University Vaccine Center, told VOA news. “Not perfect, but it’s a lot better than zero percent effective, which is what you get if you don’t get vaccinated.”
“Even if you get influenza after you’ve had the vaccine, that illness is likely to be less severe,” he said. “You’re less likely to need to go to the emergency room, less likely to be hospitalized, less likely to die.”
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Pennsylvania Deputy Secretary of Health Preparedness and Community Protection Ray Barishansky made a similar statement.
“If you have not already done so, get your flu vaccine today. If you have already gotten your flu vaccine this year, thank you for helping Pennsylvanians stay protected together. We know that people who get the flu after being vaccinated have a less severe case and are not sick as long as those who do not get vaccinated. The safety and health of Pennsylvanians remains our number one concern.”
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