Pennsylvania is now classified as having widespread flu activity.

Dr. Jeffrey Jahre, St. Luke's section chief of infectious diseases, said they started to see a major increase in the week before Christmas."What we're seeing right now is what you would expect," Jahre said. "This isn't an abnormal period of time; it's actually traditional in some ways."Jahre said the typical influenza season usually doesn't begin until late December and generally goes through up to about April."It usually continues in that direction for about six to eight weeks, the end of December to the end of February," he said. "It will hopefully taper down, if it's a typical flu season."On the whole, Jahre said the flu season hasn't been all that unique."It's a reasonable flu season," he said. "So far, it certainly hasn't been as bad as some of the seasons that we've seen."4,456 confirmed casesThe state is now classified as having widespread flu activity, the state Department of Health said in its most recent report issued Tuesday for week 52, the week ending Dec. 31.There have been 4,546 confirmed cases of the flu, DOH data shows.Of the cases reported, 3,907 are type A, 621 are type B and 18 are unknown.Allegheny County has the most cases at 671, and Berks County is second with 297 cases.In Schuylkill County, there have been 58 confirmed cases of the flu.Since the current flu season began, nine people have died from the flu in Pennsylvania. Seven of those were 65 or older, while two were between the ages of 50 and 64.No pediatric deaths have been reported. Five flu deaths were reported in week 52, the DOH said.The DOH releases flu updates on its website,

www.health.pa.gov, every week during flu season.The first flu death was reported during week 44, which was the week ending Nov. 5, 2016.Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David G. Moylan III said previously that a 50-year-old woman from the county died of the flu in November. The DOH did not confirm who that person is, but data shows that person was between 50 and 64 years old. Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Deb Detweiler said the death of that woman is the only flu-related death she knows of in the county this flu season.SymptomsJahre said people are infectious about a day before they actually have the symptoms for up to about five to seven days, whereas children may be infectious for a lot longer.Jahre said symptoms include a fairly abrupt onset, high temperatures, a runny or stuffy nose and a cough, major fatigue, aches and pains, as well as possibly some diarrhea."We're talking about supportive treatment, be well-hydrated," he said. "We emphasize prevention, because it's far better than everything else."Jahre added that it's not too late to get the vaccine.Blue Mountain Health System has also seen an increase in influenza-type illnesses, mostly in its emergency room department, according to Kathy Matika, director of infection prevention.Most of the cases begin to increase around mid-December, said Matika, who added that the majority of influenza they are seeing is type A.Of these type A vaccines that have been typed by the CDC, the A viruses identified are a good match for the vaccine, she said.Matika said it seems to be affecting all age groups, with a noticeable increase in the younger population, ages 0-4 and 5-18.She said most of the people have a cough, fever, body aches, and are receiving anti-viral treatment if it's early enough.Matika said those with diabetes, or history of heart and lung disease should not wait."There is antiviral medication that is out there," Jahre said. "Prevention is always far better than treatment."Mike Peckman, director of marketing and public affairs for Lehigh Valley Health Network, said, "There certainly are people coming into our emergency department (at both hospitals) with flulike symptoms."He said they are exhibiting typical flulike symptoms. He hasn't noticed a substantial spike in patients with the flu."It seems to be appropriate for the season," he said.To prevent the spread of the flu, he said there are hand sanitizers in the buildings and people are encouraged to use proper procedures such as using tissues and washing their hands often.Not too late for flu shotDuring the 2015-16 flu season there were 31,940 cases of the flu and 64 deaths statewide.The injectable vaccine is the only one recommended this year. The flu vaccine requires about 10 to 14 days to work.While not 100 percent, Jahre said the vaccine is still very protective, and gives about two-thirds of the people protection."The vaccine is a good one, and for those who haven't gotten it, it's not too late to get it," he said.