Dec 22, 2014 3 min read

Hospitals in Washington and Greene counties are beginning to see a spike in the number of flu cases.

Mary Kaufman, communication specialist with Monongahela Valley Hospital, said the hospital’s emergency department has treated more than 100 cases of flu since the week of Nov. 30.

“Last year, the amount of cases treated from October to Dec. 22 were less overall (59),” she said in an email. “The numbers climbed slightly after Dec. 22 and stayed up until dropping mid-January 2014.”

Since September, Washington Health Systems has treated more than 100 cases, according to Dr. Tom Pirosko, assistant medical director of Washington Hospital’s Emergency Department.

“So far, we’ve had 111 cases; 106 of those cases are Influenza A,” he said. “The No. 1 way to prevent it is by getting a flu vaccine.”

Although the shot is not as well-targeted as in past years, Pirosko said it’s still beneficial.

“Getting a vaccine can help lessen symptoms and decrease the length of the flu,” he said.

He also encourages hand-washing and covering your mouth and face when sneezing and coughing. With Christmas only days away, Pirosko said eliminating exposure to the flu is key to having a health, happy holiday.

“Stay away from malls, hospitals and nursing homes,” he said.

Dr. Brian Popko, medical director of Canonsburg Hospital’s Emergency Department, said he’s stressing common-sense precautions.

“(The spread of the flu) is worse than it’s been in the last couple of years,” he said. “People aren’t getting vaccinated. Combine that with the (vaccine’s) accuracy issue, and it’s contributed to the increase.”

Practicing good health habits, including getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet, will also help prevent the spread of the flu.

“Once someone has the flu, it is important for them to remain home until all symptoms are gone so they can prevent spreading it to others,” said Dr. Jami Pincavitch, hospitalist at Southwest Regional Medical Center.

Symptoms include high fever, coughing, sneezing and muscle aches.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is currently characterizing the flu as widespread, with 13 confirmed cases in Greene County and 107 confirmed cases in Washington County. Flu season starts in October and ends in May, although the number of cases tend to drop off after January.

In some cases, doctors may prescribe Tamiflu, an antiviral medication, to help treat the symptoms of the flu. There is no cure for the virus, which typically affects sufferers from seven to 10 days.

“Tamiflu does work, but it must be taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms,” Pirosko said. “It makes symptoms go away more quickly and lessens the severity of the flu. Tamiflu shortens it by a day or two. But it does have its own side effects, including vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. It could potentially make you feel worse.”

Doctors also encourage calling your doctor’s office prior to stopping in to prevent others in the office from catching the flu. By calling ahead, staff can take the proper precautions, including providing patients with masks.

From more information on the flu, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov.