Dec 22, 2016 2 min read

With more than 1,000 cases reported across the commonwealth, flu season has officially arrived.

“We’ve seen a handful of positive flus in the past few weeks,” said Dr. Kate Latouf, Canonsburg Hospital emergency department medical director. “Once you start to see positives, it ramps up from there.”

As of Saturday, 1,227 positive laboratory tests of the influenza virus were reported to the state Department of Health.

There were 22 cases reported in Washington County; six reported in Greene; 14 reported in Fayette; 19 in Westmoreland; and 140 reported in Allegheny.

It is estimated that as many as 20 percent of Pennsylvania residents get the flu each year, and 120 to 2,000 die from flu complications.

Latouf recommends that those who have not yet received a flu vaccine get one as soon as possible. The most effective means of stopping the spread of flu is to frequently wash hands.

“If you develop flu-like symptoms, stay home, don’t go to school or work, which limits transmission to others,” she said.

Symptoms include fever, chills, a cough, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue and body aches. In most circumstances, symptoms will last a week to 10 days. In most situations, those who believe they may be affected can manage symptoms at home. But those who experience chest pain, shortness of breath or dizziness should consult a physician, Latouf said. Parents of children who appear extremely fatigued or whose fever can’t be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers should also consider consulting a doctor.

In some instances, doctors can prescribe antiviral medications that shorten symptoms by a few days.

The medications are most effective when started in the first 48 hours.