The Carver Senior Center hosts a flu clinic Dec. 7, 2011, in New York.
Jason DeCrow / AP Images for American Lung Association
The Carver Senior Center hosts a flu clinic Dec. 7, 2011, in New York.
Jason DeCrow / AP Images for American Lung Association
(Harrisburg) — State health officials are urging Pennsylvanians to get immunized as the flu season ramps up.
More than 25,000 flu cases have been confirmed statewide as of Jan. 4. That’s outpacing the last season, which peaked around the end of March
In the midstate, Berks County has seen the most cases, with 518.
The Pennsylvania Health Department says the actual number of cases is likely higher, because most people who get sick do not seek treatment.
Thirteen people have died because of flu complications this season, and 477 people have been hospitalized.
Flu symptoms come on suddenly and can include fever, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches.
The Health Department says everyone older than 6 months should get a flu shot for the best chance of avoiding the illness.
Health officials say the flu vaccine can often diminish the severity of symptoms a person might experience should they still come down with the flu.
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