A few weeks ago, it looked like this flu season had the potential to be one of the worst in recent years, and it appears it will be.
"Many light season and many heavy seasons. This is one of the worst ones we've seen in some time." Explained Dr. Joseph Kontra of Lancaster General Hospital.
Kontra says the flu, from season to season changes, and this year's strain is a severe one.
On Tuesday, the PA Department of Health released the most recent numbers of people with the flu. This week, there were 4900 cases in PA, which is down from 5800 the week before. Lancaster and York Counties have seen the most cases this year.
The Department of Health estimates that 5-10% of the state's population gets the flu each year, with up to 2,000 dying from it.
Doctor Kontra says a person should go to the hospital if they are experiencing shortness of breath, severe headache, body aches, and loss of appetite. He also says many places are taking precautions to help prevent the spread. "There are facilities, like nursing homes that have actually shut their doors to visitors in Lancaster County and that is kind of an extreme measure. Hopefully, we won't have to get to that point."
Kontra said it's still not too late to get a flu shot. He said the season has not peaked and the flu could go on for months.