2 more die of flu complications in Allegheny County

Two more Allegheny County residents have died from flu-related complications, bringing the total deaths to 14 this season, officials said.

A female in her upper 90s and a male in his mid-60s died, according to the Allegheny County Health Department.

The county receives its data on flu-related deaths from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, which can cause a lag in reporting.

This flu season, which began in October, has not been as severe as last season, which saw 31 deaths.

Older residents and children are most at risk of developing flu-related complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus and ear infections that can result in hospitalization. A report by the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council last month found flu-related hospitalizations last season were up 62 percent.

Nearly 80,000 flu cases in Pennsylvania have been reported through March 23, according to state data. Last season, which ran from September 2017 through May 2018, saw more than 122,000 Pennsylvanians sickened.

Flu activity is on the decline but still circulating, health officials said.

To help prevent spreading germs health officials recommend coughing and sneezing into an elbow or shoulder – not the hand – and frequent hand washing.