The flu is still here; it’s not too late for a shot

The flu is still hitting the United States.

Locally, the number of confirmed influenza cases in Carbon County has risen since mid-January. At least 538 people in the county have contracted the flu, up from about 300 last month. Cases in Monroe and Schuylkill have also spiked: As of the week of Feb. 22, the Pennsylvania Department of Health tracks 1,773 in the former and 1,831 in the latter.

More than 95,000 cases have been recorded in the state. Earlier this month, that number sat closer to 50,000.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there are 16,000 influenza-associated deaths nationwide so far this season.

“Flu is a major player every year,” said Dr. Jeffrey Jahre, a St. Luke Health Network infectious disease specialist. “There are some years that it’s worse. There are some years that it’s better. But it’s never totally absent.”

“Obviously, our flu season is far from over,” he said.

While there has been a drop off in influenza cases nationally, Jahre said this flu, which the CDC started tracking in the late fall, will most likely carry significant activity through March. He categorized the current season as “appreciable,” adding that it hasn’t reached high numbers seen in the past.

“But it’s significant. It is definitely a significant flu season,” Jahre added. “It is not anywhere near the lower ones.”

Jahre pointed out that children, the elderly and people suffering from major underlying conditions — like heart disease — are at higher risk of developing flu-related complications. If you or someone you know has the flu and are experiencing shortness of breath, severe muscle and chest pain or lack of alertness, contact a health care official.

A local pharmacist said the flu hasn’t shown any signs of stopping locally.

“It’s pretty prevalent,” said Megan Rubino, a pharmacist at Panther Creek and Hometown Village.

“People are still actively being diagnosed,” she said. “Usually, at this point it’s starting to wind down, but it seems like it’s kind of holding steady.”

“Hopefully, in the next few weeks it dies down even more.”

Though flu season is in full swing, Dr. Rachel Levine, the state’s secretary of health, said it’s not too late to defend yourself from the virus.

“We are continuing to see high flu numbers across the state, as well as a number of other serious illnesses,” Levine said in a news release. “In order to prevent disease, and the spread of disease in Pennsylvania, we want everyone to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones.”

“The best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get your flu shot.”

Some other tips for staying healthy this season: avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay at home if you are, wash your hands often, sleep well and maintain a healthy diet.