Number of flu cases continues to rise in region

As the flu season reaches its peak, nearly 5,000 people in Berks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties have been sickened, according to state statistics.

“We are seeing about double what we saw last year,” said Michel Masters, communicable field supervisor for the Montgomery County Health Department.

As of Jan. 28, 4,774 cases of the flu have been officially reported in the fourcounty area by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

At 754, Chester County has had the fewest cases so far, while Montgomery County, with 1,387, has had the most.

Delaware County has had 1,343 flu cases so far and Berks County stands at 1,260.

However, the numbers are likely higher given that the state statistics “are restricted to only those cases that have had a positive laboratory test for flu,” according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health website.

“These case counts represent only a fraction of the actual burden of illness due to influenza occurring in the commonwealth at any given time. This is because most persons with influenza do not go to the doctor or are not tested or reported,” according to the state.

This is evident in information released Jan. 26 by the Montgomery County Health Department which reported only 148 confirmed cases of flu, and 939 “probable” cases of flu.

Of those cases, 131 were hospitalized and four have died, including a 4-monthold child in early January who was too young to receive the flu vaccine.

To get the full picture, it’s also important to understand that there are several strains of flu.

Masters said more than 62 percent of the reported cases in Pennsylvania this year are the H3 strain.

Another 25 percent are Influenza B, which mainly affects young people, while more than 11 percent are the H1N1 virus, which caused the 2009 pandemic that killed an estimated 150,000 people around the globe.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Con- trol, this year’s vaccine has been updated, adding an H1N1 component, making it more effective. The CDC is also recommending

against getting the vaccine through a nasal spray this year

Kalyn Roberts, supervisor for public health nursing at the Montgomery County Health Department, said as of Jan. 30, 4,158 doses of vaccine had been distributed in Montgomery County, including 400 shared with partners.

Just over 2,400 shots have been administered at the three free health centers in the county in Pottstown, Norristown and Willow Grove, she said.

That’s a little less than the 2,585 which had been administered by this time last year.

“We’re not really seeing an increase in demand for vaccine, although it is available in more places now,” said Roberts. “Years ago, we were the only place you could get it for free.”

“Usually, about 50 percent of the population gets a flu shot, although it depends on the age group,” Roberts said. “The elderly tend to be more likely to get the shot.”

Flu is transmitted by tiny droplets through coughing, sneezing and even talking with people who have the flu, according to the Montgomery County Health Department.

“People can pass flu to someone even before they know they are sick, according to the department. “Flu is contagious the day before the start of symptoms and up to seven days after becoming sick, but most commonly during the first three to four days after symptoms start.”

It is not to late to get vaccinated and free shorts are available at Montgomery County’s three health centers:

• Pottstown — 346 King St., Mondays, all ages from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesdays children under 19 by appointment only from 2:30 to 6 p.m. (610970-5040)

• Norristown — 1430 DeKalb St., Mondays, children under 19 years of age by appointment; Tuesdays, all ages on a walk-in basis from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (610278-5145)

• Willow Grove — 102 York Road, Suite 401, Wednesdays, all ages on a walk-in basis from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesdays, children under 19 by ap=pointment from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (215784-5415)

“We’re not really seeing an increase in demand for vaccine, although it is available in more places now.” Kalyn Roberts, Montgomery County Supervisor for Public Health Nursing