Flu Kills 18 In Pennsylvania So Far This Season, 12 In One Week

Eighteen people in Pennsylvania have died from the flu this season — including 12 deaths during the first week of the year, according to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Flu is now considered widespread in Pennsylvania, which means outbreaks have been confirmed in at least half the state. Activity has "increased sharply" in the past week, according to state health officials. You can see the county by county breakdown of cases here.

Of the 18 people who have died from flu complications this season in Pennsylvania, one was a child and a dozen were 65 or older. The 12 deaths were reported in the week ending on Jan. 6, 2018.

Experts believe the current flu season — which extends from Oct. 1, 2017 through May 19, 2018 — will be particularly bad.

That's because many people are becoming infected with a strain known as H3N2, which doesn't respond well to vaccinations and is particularly dangerous to young children and older adults over the age of 65.

If you haven't had a flu shot yet, the FDA says it's not too late.

Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, body aches, headaches and fatigue. The flu virus is spread through the air, from coughing and sneezing, or by touching something that someone with the virus has touched.

You can pass the flu to someone else both before and while you are sick. Adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming ill, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer time.

To treat the flu, use over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or cough syrup to relieve symptoms. Rest in bed and drink lots of fluids. If you contact your doctor within 48 hours of onset of symptoms, you may be able to take an antiviral drug, which will reduce the severity of symptoms and length of the illness.

Here are some additional tips:

• Stay home if you are sick.
• Avoid touching your face — your mouth, nose, and eyes.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Avoid others who are sick.
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or into a tissue.

With reporting by Beth Dalbey, Patch staff

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