Pennsylvania Department of Health officials last week provided an update on 2021-2022 flu season and encouraged Pennsylvanians to get a flu vaccine as soon as possible.

“With the growing number of flu cases amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to remind Pennsylvanians to take preventative measures, including getting a flu vaccine to protect themselves, their family and communities from the flu this season,” Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson said.

According to Lehigh Valley Health Network, an estimated 5 to 20 percent of people nationwide contract influenza each year. Influenza is characterized by the fast onset of fever, muscle aches, sore throat and a nonproductive cough.

Although most people are ill with influenza for only a few days, some have a much more serious illness and may need to be hospitalized. Although the flu usually is mild in children and younger adults, it can cause life-threatening viral pneumonia in older adults.

“Now is the time to get your flu shot because influenza outbreaks occur before the end of the year, and it is crucial to get vaccinated before the virus begins circulating in the community,” St. Luke’s Infectious Diseases Specialist Dr. Andrew Thompson said earlier this season

“Even though flu rates were low last year, it is just as important as ever to get the flu vaccine. Given the stress that the pandemic is having, reducing vaccine-preventable illness is critical.”

Flu activity is high across the commonwealth and has been reported in each of our counties. Carbon has 245 cases so far this season. Lehigh County has 1,404; Monroe, 388 cases; Northampton, 1.375, and Schuylkill, 983.

As of Jan. 18, there have been 28,475 laboratory-confirmed flu cases in Pennsylvania.

Influenza-Like Illness (ILI), with people experiencing symptoms of fever and cough or sore throat, has increased slightly since last week. While flu seasons vary and more people are getting tested more frequently as COVID-19 symptoms can be like flu symptoms, this week’s report is higher than this same week last year and even higher when compared to this same week in 2019.

At this time, it is still below the state epidemic threshold.

There have been 16 deaths reported in Pennsylvania during the current flu season thus far.

“If you do become sick with the flu, it is imperative that you stay home. If you are at risk for developing serious complications from the flu, or feel extremely ill, you should see a medical professional immediately to determine your need for testing or isolation.”

There is still time to get the vaccine.

“It is not too late to get your flu vaccine if you have not already done so,” Deputy Secretary of Health Preparedness and Community Protection Ray Barishansky said.

“We know that people who get the flu after being vaccinated have less severe symptoms and are not sick for as long as those who do not get vaccinated. We also know that the COVID-19 vaccines do not protect you from getting the flu. So, while we have been encouraging everyone to get COVID-19 vaccines, you still also need to get your flu vaccine.”

The flu vaccine is available as an injection for anyone 6 months or older and as an injection or nasal spray for anyone two or older.

Flu vaccines are available at your doctor’s office, pharmacy, local walk-in clinic or grocery store. COVID-19 and flu vaccines can be received at the same time.

Remember basic hygiene. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, frequently washing your hands, and remembering to disinfect commonly touched objects, including doorknobs, light switches, countertops, cellphones and computers.