Flu season may be peaking in Pennsylvania, Health Department says

The flu season may have peaked in Pennsylvania, a spokeswoman for the state Health Department said Tuesday.

“While cases are increasing, the number of new cases each week is decreasing,” spokeswoman Brittany Lauffer said.

The news comes as state health officials are bracing for potential coronavirus cases to surface in Pennsylvania.

For the week ending Feb. 29, Pennsylvania saw an 11% increase in laboratory-confirmed influenza cases to just over 106,000 . Flu-associated deaths increased by eight to 74.

Seven of the latest deaths involved people 65 and older, while one person was between 50 and 64, according to the Health Department.

The state did not disclose where the deaths occurred.

Flu-associated hospitalizations increased by 12% in the past week, to 2,500.

In the seven-county Pittsburgh area, confirmed cases increased by 10% to about 22,000 . More than half of those — about 11,500 — were in Allegheny County, which has lead the state in total cases this season, which began Sept. 29.

State monitoring runs through May 16.

Still ‘significant” number of cases

“It is important to note that there are still a significant amount of flu cases being reported,” Lauffer said. “We do expect flu season to continue through March and encourage Pennsylvanians to take preventative measures to protect against the flu.”

The Health Department recommends residents do the following to prevent the spread of all viruses:

• Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

• Cover the mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve, not hands, when coughing or sneezing.

• Clean surfaces frequently, including counter tops, light switches, cell phones and other frequently touched items.

• If sick, stay home and avoid contact with others.