Influenza deaths increase in history-setting season, state reports

Ten more people died from influenza in Pennsylvania in the last week, increasing the total number of flu deaths this season to 93, the state Department of Health reported Tuesday.

As of the week ending March 14, most of the people who died — 64 — were 65 or older. That number increased by eight from the week before.

Eighteen deaths were reported in the 50-to-64 age group.

“The majority of the world is focused on the covid-19 situation, and while many people may have forgotten about the flu, the flu has not forgotten about you,” Health Department spokeswoman Brittany Lauffer said.

Laboratory-confirmed flu cases increased 8% to 124,690, which Lauffer said is the most cases ever recorded in Pennsylvania in a single flu season.

In the seven-county Pittsburgh area including Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties, cases increased by 6% to 25,273.

Allegheny County continues to lead the state with 13,274 cases. Montgomery County in suburban Philadelphia is a distant second with 9,260 cases.

Hospitalizations increased by 9% to 3,046.

“We have also seen a significant increase in emergency department visits in all regions, especially in the southeast.,” she said. “This is not surprising since many Pennsylvanians may be going to get tested for covid-19, but instead are testing positive for the flu.”

The flu season is likely to continue for the rest of March and into April, Lauffer said.

“You can still get a flu shot and, given the covid-19 situation in Pennsylvania, everyone should be practicing social distancing and staying home,” she said. “In addition, make sure you are washing your hands frequently, covering your coughs and sneezes and wiping down frequently touched surfaces. All Pennsylvanians need to do their part to help stop the spread of these viruses to help protect the health and well-being of themselves and those around them.”