Flu Cases Continue To Rise

PITTSBURGH — The flu is surging nationwide. For the next several weeks, Dr. Amesh Adalja expects to see an increase in flu cases locally, with illnesses not leveling off until after February. “It’s finding a population that has little immunity. It’s able to spread very quickly and rapidly through that population because of this new variant that is dominant,” said Infectious Disease Doctor Amesh Adalja. He recommends still getting a flu shot if you haven’t yet. “It’s not too late to get the flu shot because the flu peaks in February traditionally and remember the flu vaccine covers three different strains of flu. Later in the season, other types of flu might dominate,” Adalja said. According to the CDC, Pennsylvania is currently in the “moderate” activity level for the flu, with some of the highest states being New York, South Carolina, and Louisiana. “Cases are increasing in the Pittsburgh area. They don’t seem to be translating into more ICU or severe cases, but there are people hospitalized,” Adalja said. Even though there have been hospitalizations, the good news is, Dr. Adalja doesn’t predict a major strain on hospitals, like there was with COVID. His biggest advice is to stay home if you get it.