Before you make important decisions, it is really important to know the facts. Here are some sobering facts about the influenza situation in Pennsylvania.
The influenza rate in PA is rated as high to very high. There have been 35,000 cases in PA since the fall and over 14,000 during the Christmas week from 12/21 to 12/28. The state has recorded at least 552 hospitalizations and 142 pediatric hospitalizations. Influenza is responsible for 7% of all emergency room visits. There have also been at least 22 flu related deaths with at least 9 pediatric deaths.
The reason for this alarming situation is that the influenza vaccine this year did not account for a “subclade K” strain which was not a prominent strain when the vaccine was formulated. Also, and very importantly, the vaccination rate has gone down substantially. Not all of the cases are due to the “K” strain. The influenza rates are even higher in neighboring states.
What is the take away from all of this? First, and foremost, you need to protect yourself at all times; when you are shopping, you are at church or whenever you are in a crowded space, consider a mask, keep you hands away from your face and use hand sanitizer. It goes without saying that a flu shot is important, but I have gotten tired of trying to convince some patients that this is an important protection method. Oh, by the way, RSV is surging as well. There is a vaccine for that.
