Four more people in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania have died from flu. The health department said on Wednesday that the total death toll for the county has reached seven. Health Department medical epidemiologist Kristen Mertz said in an interview, the people who died were from ages 55 to 100 years old. Apparently, all of them have underlying health conditions too.
During their health board meeting, the Allegheny County Health Department director, Karen Hacker described this flu season as challenging. They are bracing themselves for the worst flu period which usually happens from January to February, when the temperature drops drastically.
According to WTHITV 10, in Indiana, their state death toll has reached 66. Last week, a total of 30 flu deaths were reported. Jerome Adams, State Health Commissioner of the state said that this year's flu season is worse than the past years. He added that this year's influenza strain is dangerous which is why there is marked increase in cases.
Just like in Pennsylvania, majority of the deaths in Indiana were among people who are 65 years and older. He reiterated the importance of taking the flu season seriously so people will prevent contracting the virus. He also aired his concern on the opening of classes after the holidays that might increase flu infections in schools.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this flu season is more severe than those in the past. Due to mutations of the virus, flu shots are less effective, leaving families vulnerable to the disease. However, they are still stating the importance of having the vaccine in order to have at least ample protection from other strains of the virus.
Hand washing is always the first way to protect the body from disease-causing pathogens including the flu virus. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Making the body healthy and boosting the immune system are helpful ways to protect the body from flu.
