Health officials urge immunization as flu cases climb statewide

• Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania
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  I report on energy and the environment for StateImpact Pennsylvania at WITF.
  
  My work focuses on responses and solutions to climate change in the state legislature and communities around the state. I trace my interest in these issues back to my time as a Girl Scout and this episode of Rocko’s Modern Life.
  
  I look forward to winter just for the chance to ski a few times each season. I try to keep myself from doom-scrolling on my phone by keeping my hands busy knitting and learning to play the piano.
  
  I grew up in Cambria County, Pa. and graduated from Temple University. I started at WITF just after Christmas in 2014.

 Jason DeCrow / AP Images for American Lung Association

The Carver Senior Center hosts a flu clinic Dec. 7, 2011, in New York.

(Harrisburg) — State health officials are urging Pennsylvanians to get immunized as the flu season ramps up.

More than 25,000 flu cases have been confirmed statewide as of Jan. 4. That’s outpacing the last season, which peaked around the end of March

In the midstate, Berks County has seen the most cases, with 518.

The Pennsylvania Health Department says the actual number of cases is likely higher, because most people who get sick do not seek treatment.

Thirteen people have died because of flu complications this season, and 477 people have been hospitalized.

Flu symptoms come on suddenly and can include fever, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches.

The Health Department says everyone older than 6 months should get a flu shot for the best chance of avoiding the illness.

Health officials say the flu vaccine can often diminish the severity of symptoms a person might experience should they still come down with the flu.

A collection of interviews, photos, and music videos, featuring local musicians who have stopped by the WITF performance studio to share a little discussion and sound. Produced by WITF’s Joe Ulrich.

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