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Flu outbreak in Pa. is widespread, so take precaution

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is reporting that Pennsylvania has a widespread outbreak of the flu right now.

In fact, Pennsylvania is worse off than most states around it and even across the nation, the CDC says.

Ugh!

We just reported that Mount Nittany Medical Center near State College is asking the public “to refrain from visiting the medical center if they are not feeling well” as they work to prevent further flu outbreaks.

“Friends and family members who are experiencing any signs or symptoms of these illnesses should contact (Mount Nittany) Medical Center patients by phone in lieu of a visit. Ill visitors who are unable to refrain from seeing a patient should obtain a mask from the front desk immediately upon entering the building.

“Cases of the flu confirmed through tests conducted by the Mount Nittany Medical Center laboratory continue to rise.”

“Influenza and other contagious illnesses, such as respiratory syncytial virus and gastrointestinal viruses, are widespread in the community at this time and many patients have low resistance to infection,” Mount Nittany warns.

The CDC says getting an annual flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu.

Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations, the agency advises.

The more people who get vaccinated, the more people will be protected from flu, including older people, very young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions who are more vulnerable to serious flu complications.

Most people who get the flu will have mild illness, will not need medical care or antiviral drugs, and will recover in less than two weeks.

Some people, however, are more likely to get flu complications that can result in hospitalization and sometimes worse.

Be smart.

Good health habits are the best way to avoid getting the flu.

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