PA Health Department Reports Southeast Region's First Lab-Confirmed Influenza Case of ...( Department Reminds Pennsylvanians...),Health

Department Reminds Pennsylvanians to Get a Flu Shot

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A Bucks County man is the Southeast region's first state laboratory-confirmed case of influenza this season, the Pennsylvania Department of Health said today.

"Flu season is under way," said acting Health Secretary Everette James. "Now is the time to protect your health by getting vaccinated."

The influenza vaccine is recommended for the following high-risk individuals:

-- All children 6 months through 18 years of age;

-- People 50 years of age and older regardless of their medical history;

-- People with underlying health conditions such as heart, respiratory,

kidney, liver metabolic, and immune system problems;

-- People with weakened immune systems such as HIV/AIDS, long-term

treatment of steroids, and cancer treatment with X-rays or drugs;

-- People who have cognitive dysfunction, and muscle or nerve disorders

(such as spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy or seizure disorders) that

can lead to breathing or swallowing problems;

-- People who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy who, therefore, might

be at risk for Reyes syndrome after influenza infection;

-- Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities;

-- Women who will be pregnant anytime during the influenza season;

-- Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children 0-59 months of

age;

-- Physicians, nurses, family members, or anyone else in close contact with

any of these groups at risk for influenza; and

-- Anyone wishing to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill from influenza.

Each year, an estimated 36,000 individuals die from influenza-related illnesses and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized nationwide. Rates of serious illness and death are highest among people over the age of 65
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