The flu season has arrived

HARRISBURG, DOLPHIN COUNTY (WBRE / WYOU-TV) The flu season has arrived. October is the month when the number of influenza cases starts to increase. And after a particularly bad flu season last year, the authorities are urging Pennsylvanians to take precautions. Harrisburg reporter Matt Heckel reports.

The number of adults vaccinated against influenza last year was down. Only 37% of adults in the country were vaccinated. Officials are doing what they can to increase these numbers this year.

"It's the perfect time for people to get ready, and that means being vaccinated against the flu." Dr. Rachel Levine, Secretary of Health, Pennsylvania.

The month of October marks the beginning of a new influenza season … The 2017-18 season is particularly harsh.

"Last year, the flu was very serious, resulting in more than 250 deaths in Pennsylvania, and more than 80,000 deaths nationwide," Dr. Levine noted.

This may be partly due to the lack of vaccinated people. Only 37% of adults in the country were vaccinated against influenza last year.

"The more family members and communities get vaccinated against the flu, the less prevalent the flu will be in this region."

At the beginning of this influenza season … Pennsylvania has seen about 200 cases so far … mostly in the Philadelphia area. There is no way to say how bad this year will be … But the state health department does not take risks … Use social media and get into the communities to try to prevent another bad season.

"We are really trying to make it clear that the influenza vaccine is safe, you can not get the flu with the flu shot, the flu shot is very safe and very effective." Said Dr. Levine.

All insurance companies cover the influenza vaccine. Last year … Nationwide … 172 children died of the flu. About 80% of them had not received a flu shot.