Flu activity has been, and remains, low across the commonwealth and nationally this flu season.
“In recent years, flu activity has been widespread across Pennsylvania,” said Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam. “Last season was higher than usual with more than 11,000 cases of the flu this time of year. That is a stark difference from where we are in 2021, below 3,000 cases. We can attribute the low flu activity in part to COVID-19 mitigation efforts that are also effective in preventing the flu, since the two infectious diseases spread the same way. In addition, a record number of individuals got their flu vaccine this season.”
Flu activity is currently low across the commonwealth. The 2020-21 season, with the co-circulation of COVID-19, is comparable to the 2015-16 season when the H1N1 flu virus predominated. As of Feb. 27, there have been 2,816 laboratory-confirmed flu cases and 14 flu-associated deaths statewide. There are flu cases in all 67 counties. Influenza A and B have been identified by laboratory testing. The percent of outpatient visits associated with Influenza-Like Illness has been low and is still below the state epidemic threshold. A total of 37 influenza-associated hospitalizations have been reported in Pennsylvania during the current flu season. The full flu report is here.
The Pennsylvania Bureau of Laboratories continues to test individuals for both flu and COVID-19. Only positive flu lab tests are reportable to PA-NEDSS. However, it was reported nationally that the drop of flu cases occurred despite a sixfold increase in testing at public health labs, most of which test for Influenza A and B along with COVID-19. The CDC recommended healthcare providers test patients who have COVID-like symptoms for both flu and COVID-19 because it is impossible to differentiate between the two viruses without testing, and patients can have both viruses at the same time.
The department’s epidemiologists continue to monitor and compare statewide flu activity with the national flu activity. The CDC reported that seasonal flu activity in the United States remains lower than usual for this time of year. As of Feb. 12, the CDC reported 193.7 million doses of flu vaccine have been distributed in the United States. This surpassed the previous record of 174.5 million doses distributed during the 2019-20 flu season.
Flu vaccines are available in Pennsylvania as a shot for anyone 6 months or older and as a shot or nasal spray for anyone age 2 or older. Flu vaccines are available at your doctor’s office, pharmacy, local clinics or grocery store.
In addition to getting vaccinated, Pennsylvanians are encouraged to practice healthy habits such as covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, frequently washing your hands and remembering to disinfect commonly-touched objects.
A multidisciplinary working group of internal and external partners is prepared to respond to increased flu activity should it increase over the next several months.
“It is great that flu activity is so low, but this is not the time to let down our guard. Rather it is a testimony to the mitigation efforts in place to slow the spread of infectious diseases,” said Deputy Secretary of Health Preparedness and Community Protection Ray Barishansky. “If you have not already done so, please get your flu vaccine today for extra protection against the virus. Let’s continue to do our part to stop the spread of flu and COVID-19 by wearing a mask, washing your hands, social distancing and following all of the mitigation efforts in place.”
Flu is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus. It attacks the nose, throat and lungs and may include the following symptoms: fever, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches.
If you do become sick with the flu, you should stay home. If you’re at risk for developing serious complications from the flu or feel extremely ill, you should see a medical professional immediately.
