Thursday, January 31, 2013
Flu activity is still categorized as widespread by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
The early flu season hasn’t run its course yet. Although flu-related emergency visits declined last week, there are still more flu cases than usual, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. So far, 102 flu-related deaths have been recorded throughout the entire state between Oct. 2, 2012 and Jan. 26, 2013. The state Department of Health reports the number of confirmed cases and deaths from Oct 2 to Jan. 26: To find a place near you to get a flu shot, type your zip code into the Flu Finder site. Influenza—more commonly known as simply "the flu"—is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses infecting the nose, throat and lungs. It spreads via infected people coughing, sneezing or talking, though people can also get …
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Statistics released Tuesday from the state Department of Health show flu cases continue to rise locally and across Pennsylvania.
The number of flu cases in the Delaware Valley and throughout Pennsylvania spiked in early January as health officials continue to deal with one of the worst flu outbreaks in years. The state reported this week that there were 18 more influenza-related deaths, bringing to 22 the total number of flu-related deaths this season. The state Health Department website did not indicate the counties where the deaths occurred. Most of the reported deaths were among those 65 and older, but two of the people who died were "otherwise healthy" people under age 50, the state health officials said. No pediatric flu-related deaths have been reported. The state Department of Health reports the number of confirmed cases from Oct 2 to Jan. 5: In …
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Get some tips to keep healthy this festive season.
The holidays are a time when many people are stressed with additional pressures of family, friends and general holiday preparations, lowering resistance. People are traveling, shopping and gathering in large numbers, increasing their exposure to germs. The best way to fight the flu, according to Flu.gov is to get the flu shot. Beyond that, Flu.gov has some tips to to stay healthy this holiday season:
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Advance registration is required.
Residents ages 65+ can register to receive a free flu shot on Tuesday at the Merion Fire Company of Ardmore, according to a Lower Merion Township news release. The release is reprinted below: Adults ages 65 and older can take advantage of free flu shots that will be offered on Tuesday, October 23, 2012. From 1 to 3 p.m. at the Merion Fire Company of Ardmore, 35 Greenfield Avenue in Ardmore, senior citizens are invited to participate in this program affiliated with Bryn Mawr Hospital's Community Health Services Department. Main Line Health will assist in pre-registration and paperwork. Advance registration is required: only 50 vaccine shots are available. Call 1-866-CALL-MLH (or 1-866-2255-654) for more information.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
West Nile virus has been making headlines locally and nationally, so what does this mean for you? Should you be worried and how does this compare with other diseases?
West Nile virus made national news this week with an announcement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “We're in the midst of one of the largest West Nile virus outbreaks ever seen in the United States,” said Dr. Lyle Petersen on Tuesday, who is the director of the Division of Vector-borne Infectious Diseases at the CDC. We are hearing more about West Nile virus and the cases of the virus being found on our doorstep. Each weekday, the Pennsylvania West Nile Control Program releases more positive test results of West Nile found in mosquitoes, bird and other animals. Within the recent weeks, they’ve been reporting human cases. Friday, the program reported a Philadelphian tested postive for the virus. That human case joins one…
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
State officials report a new strain of swine flu infecting people.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has reported four confirmed and six probable human cases of influenza due to a new strain of the flu known as H3N2v. While this strain is typically associated with swine, both the departments of Health and Agriculture emphasize that handling or eating pork products presents no risk of exposure to influenza. The Pennsylvania cases occurred among youth participants in the Huntingdon County Fair, Aug. 5-11. There are no reported hospitalizations. Although the investigation is ongoing, there is no evidence to date of the new flu strain spreading from person to person. This is the same virus that has recently caused illness in Indiana and Ohio, mostly among children who were exhibitors at or attended …
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3:49 pm on Monday, January 14, 2013
"3/4 of the people will still get the flu" - Really? You just pull that out of your a$$ or what? As for Tamiflu, I know someone who got it form their GP a few weeks ago. Hell, there are TV and radio ads for it so clearly there is plenty to go around. Forget the flu shot, you need to get on some psych meds ASAP! more ›