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Flu Cases on the Rise

MAHONING TOWNSHIP — It is something no one wants, but a lot of people get: the flu. Doctors at Geisinger Medical Center near Danville say this is a bad se...
Mont flu

MAHONING TOWNSHIP -- It is something no one wants, but a lot of people get: the flu. Doctors at Geisinger Medical Center near Danville say this is a bad season for the virus.

"It is an epidemic and every year we do have an epidemic of influenza. That's to be expected," Dr. Lisa Esolen said.

According to data gathered at Geisinger Medical Center, Geisinger Health Systems saw 266 flu patients last week compared to only 34 cases the year before. Doctor Esolen says this is because the flu is very unpredictable.

"Last year it was a little bit milder, the year before that it was a little bit higher in numbers," Dr. Esolen said.

The increase in flu cases concerns parents like Amanda Bachinger of Danville.

"It does, having a little one in the house and having other small children in the family," Bachinger said.

Even though Dr. Esolen says this year's shot does not protect from all strains of the virus, she still recommends getting your flu shot as the best protection from getting sick.

"We still believe that the vaccine will protect you against more severe disease. Even if you get it you tend to not be hospitalized or get it very severely," Esolen said.

Susan Moya of Danville said her 6-year-old daughter Gracy just got over being sick, but her whole family always gets the flu shot.

"She gets it for obvious reasons and we get it to protect her as well," Moya said.

Doctors at Geisinger Medical Center say flu symptoms can include fever, sore throat, coughing, body aches, headaches, chills and a stuffy nose.

Click here for more information about influenza from the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

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