Flu Season In Full Swing As PA Sees 2,000-Case Increase In A Week

PENNSYLVANIA — COVID-19 isn't the only disease officials in Pennsylvania are urging residents to get vaccinated against, as cases of the flu have sharply increased statewide.

The state saw 2,000 new cases last week, the Department of Health announced, which is twice as many as the week before.

“We are concerned with the growing number of cases and want to remind Pennsylvanians to take preventative measures, including getting a flu vaccine to protect themselves, their family and communities from the flu this season," Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said in a statement.

All told in 2021, there have been 5,036 cases of laboratory confirmed flu cases in Pennsylvania. There have also been two deaths, both in patients over the age of 65. Cases exist in 65 of the state's 67 counties.

As hospitalizations feel pressure from a surge in COVID-19 cases, influenza hospitalizations are only worsening the situation. Emergency room visits due to flu symptoms have increased over the past week, and are higher than they were at this point in 2020.

Getting the flu vaccine is crucial in limiting the spread of the illness and protecting sensitive hospital capacity.

"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," Deputy Secretary of Health Preparedness and Community Protection Ray Barishansky said in a statement. "We also know that the COVID-19 vaccines do not protect you from getting the flu. So, while we have been encouraging everyone to get COVID-19 vaccines, you still also need to get your flu vaccine."

Anyone who does get sick with the flu is urged to stay home and get well, and reach out to a medical professional if symptoms become severe.