Flu activity is surging across South Central Pennsylvania as statewide and national indicators continue to climb, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
Pennsylvania remains among the majority of states reporting “very high” influenza activity through the week ending Dec. 27, with Influenza A — particularly H1N1 and H3N2 strains — driving most new cases. Local health officials say flu positivity rates and hospital visits for respiratory illnesses are rising throughout the region.
For the week ending Jan. 3, state health officials said 4,922 adults have been hospitalized, along with 1,234 pediatric patients. In Pennsylvania so far this season, 42 people have died.
The CDC reported a national positivity rate of 32.9% for influenza tests in late December, a significant jump from the week prior. About 8.2% of all visits to health care providers nationwide were related to respiratory symptoms, including influenza.
Hospitals and urgent care centers across the region have noted increased patient volume since before the Christmas holiday, reflecting the national trend. Nine pediatric flu-related deaths have been confirmed so far this season nationwide, with health officials urging families to remain vigilant. Some 3,100 deaths for those of all ages have been reported, along with 81,000 hospitalizations so far.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health’s respiratory virus dashboard also shows elevated activity statewide, consistent with the CDC’s findings. Experts continue to recommend vaccination, handwashing, and staying home when sick as the flu season intensifies through January.
