Flu Season Winds Down in Northeastern Pa.
3/28/2018
WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (March 28, 2018) – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this year’s flu season has hit its peak, and is in a steady decline – finally. After one of the worst flu seasons of the past decade, Commonwealth Health hospitals have resumed normal visiting hours and guidance.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the flu rate in Luzerne, Lackawanna, Columbia and Wyoming counties has been decreasing over the past few weeks. The decline in cases follows a season where influenza impacted local schools, workplaces and hospital emergency rooms.
Flu season can also cause some people – especially the elderly – to postpone care for chronic or elective health issues, either due to cases of the flu itself, or out of a fear of contact with flu in public spaces.
Local residents who postponed – either because they were ill with the flu or they wanted to avoid being around flu patients -- routine doctor’s visits, elective surgery or diagnostic testing such as blood work or imaging, are encouraged to call their primary care physicians to reschedule their appointments.
This year’s flu season was a good reminder of the importance of getting vaccinated, and building immunity early and over time. If you need a flu shot, or assistance with a plan for building your general health and immune system, call your primary care physician and develop a personal and comprehensive wellness plan that will support you throughout the year.
If you need a primary care physician, visit the Find a Doctor page for help finding a physician.
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