breaking news

"Widespread" Flu Outbreak in PA

By: Mark Hiller

Updated: December 13, 2012

Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County -- Flu season has arrived with a vengeance. After being practically nonexistent for weeks, the number of flu cases statewide nearly doubled in just one week. The Pennsylvania Department of Health declared a "widespread" level of influenza outbreaks. The flu outbreak is not yet epidemic but that can change. "It can start very quickly and it can spread and then you can be inundated with lots of cases," said Geisinger Wyoming Valley Urgent Care Physician Ronald McRipley. He says he's treated more respiratory illnesses at the Wilkes-Barre facility lately than influenza. A big difference between the two is a severity of symptoms. "If you feel really sick and you get high fever, chills and you just don't feel right," said Dr. McRipley. "If you have those type of symptoms that's when you should be seen somewhere by a physician."

The most prone to getting the flu are the very young, the very old and those with weakened immune systems. Even if you have a strong immune system and you don't have the flu you could still be a carrier putting people with more vulnerable immune systems at risk. Even the healthiest of us should wash our hands frequently and not limit the cleaning to our hands. "You also want to make sure that if you've touched things like computers, if you touch phones things like that that other people will have contact with you want to make sure those are clean," said Dr. McRipley.

Some are getting flu shots on doctor's orders. "I'm getting older and they say old people should get a flu shot," said Bob Lutsey of Berwick. Catching the flu is a concern for mother of two Michelle Jacobson of Dorrance Township who makes flu shots a must for her family. "I'm always afraid what I'm going to bring home to them and then when they're in daycare what are they going to bring home to me. So we always get our flu shot."

Dr. McRipley says it's not too late to get a flu shot. Once you do, it'll take ten to 14 days to take effect and provide you the flu protection you need.