Did you get your flu shot? Centre County sees recent spike in reported cases
Mount Nittany Medical Center has seen a drastic increase in the number of reported flu cases over the past two weeks, a hospital infection prevention and control manager said Tuesday.
The increase locally falls in line with statewide trends, according to state Health Department data.
Agency Secretary Rachel Levine in a Monday press release said she is “concerned” with the growing amount of reported cases and urged residents to get a flu vaccine.
“The flu is serious and can be deadly, which is why it is extremely important that Pennsylvanians are receiving their flu vaccine now,” Levine said. “... There is no better measure to protect yourself from flu than to get a flu vaccine.”
More than 17,300 cases have been confirmed between Sept. 29 and Dec. 28 statewide, including 77 cases in Centre County. Nine flu deaths were reported, all which involved someone older than 50, according to the agency’s data.
Flu shots — which take about two weeks to develop protection against infection — are available at doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies, college health centers and all Mount Nittany Physician Group locations, Mount Nittany Health infection prevention and control manager Carrie Hanley said.
The hospital administered 373 of the 610 purchased for this influenza season, MNMC Pharmacy Director John Rossi said Tuesday.
In addition to vaccinations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends avoiding close contact with those who are sick, covering your mouth and nose and cleaning your hands frequently.
Flu season typically begins in September and continues until May. The season often peaks between December and February.
Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue. Not all cases will have a fever.
The increases prompted the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese to suspend the distribution of Precious Blood at Mass, effective Saturday and continuing indefinitely.
This story was originally published January 7, 2020 at 12:56 PM.