Flu Cases Skyrocketing In Pittsburgh, Across Country

PITTSBURGH, PA - Flu cases are rising rapidly across the country and have jumped dramatically locally as well.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in its most recent update the number of states reporting widespread flu activity jumped from 36 to 46 during the last week of December. Thirteen children nationwide had died of flu so far this season.

Allegheny County Health Department Director Dr. Karen Hacker said the Pittsburgh metro area is no exception to the large spike in flu cases across the country. “Local health care providers and hospitals have seen an acute rise in flu cases and flu inpatient hospitalizations,” she said.

As of Jan. 5, the county has seen about 50 percent more flu cases reported 64 percent more hospitalizations than this time last flu season. “Given the uptick in infection, we urge residents to get their flu shots, if they have not yet received one. It’s not too late,” Hacker said.

The health department recommends taking these precautions against the flu:

• Frequently wash your hands.

• Don’t cough or sneeze into your hands, do it into your shoulder or elbow instead.

• Stay at home if you have flu symptoms (fever, muscle aches, cough, sore throat and fatigue), so as not to infect others.

Photo: Associated Press.