It's not quite an epidemic, but the flu is now officially considered widespread across Montgomery County, according to Pennsylvania state officials. And so county officials are urging residents who have not been vaccinated yet to do so as quickly as possible.
The needle may be why so many people skip the flu vaccine. But this winter, that's turning out to be a big mistake. "Look, it's serious, and we're seeing the flu peak earlier, we're seeing it impact a lot of people. 560 known cases in Montgomery County, unfortunately three deaths," Josh Shapiro, the chairman of the Montgomery County Commissioners told Fox 29.
State health officials expect the flu to keep spreading in the weeks to come. But it's already taking a toll. "It's pretty bad," 14-year-old Kelley Repsik insisted. "There was a girl in my homeroom, she was in the hospital for like a day because her fever went up really high." Her sister also attends Indian Valley Middle School in Souderton. "We had six kids in class the other day," Bethany Repsik said. And there's only 12 students in her math class, which meant half the class was out with the flu. "We couldn't do anything because we were missing so many kids."
The twin Repsik sisters skipped school Thursday afternoon so their dad could take them to get their flu shots. Their mom insisted on it. "I have a singing recital coming up, so if I get sick and I get the flu, then I won't be able to do it," Kelley Repsik said. "So she was like, go and get your shot."
Montgomery County officials want more people to do the same. The county is offering free vaccines at their facility in Norristown, and in Pottstown and Willow Grove. The county's health department director says we haven't seen the worst of it. "Probably not," Dr. Joseph DiMino told Fox 29. "Now flu can go into May, into mid-May. So, it's never too late to get your flu shot."
County officials say the vaccine is 90 percent effective against several strains of flu. So even if you've had the flu, it was only one strain. You still will want to get vaccinated to get protection against the other strains.
Babies are among the most vulnerable to the flu. Infants under six months of age are too young to receive the vaccine. Health experts say that's why it's so important that everyone else in the home get vaccinated against the flu, to provide the baby with as much protection as possible.
Tuesday, June 11 2013 5:54 AM EDT2013-06-11 09:54:40 GMT
Will Sarah Murnaghan receive the lungs she needs to save her life? No one can answer that question just yet. But she and other children like her may now have a better chance of survival.
Will Sarah Murnaghan receive the lungs she needs to save her life? No one can answer that question just yet. But she and other children like her may now have a better chance of survival.
Friday, June 7 2013 6:18 PM EDT2013-06-07 22:18:50 GMT
A Delaware County girl is hoping she's one day closer to receiving a new lung. And thanks to the overwhelming push to help 10-year-old Sarah Murnaghan, a little boy and his family also have new hope.
A Delaware County girl is hoping she's one day closer to receiving a new lung. And thanks to the overwhelming push to help 10-year-old Sarah Murnaghan, a little boy and his family also have new hope. But time is ticking away on the temporary restraining order that allows these children a chance at adult organs.
Friday, June 7 2013 11:19 AM EDT2013-06-07 15:19:14 GMT
We're hearing from Sarah Murnaghan's doctor about why she needs a lung so urgently, as another child's family files suit to get their son on the adult donor list.
We're hearing from Sarah Murnaghan's doctor about why she needs a lung so urgently, as another child's family files suit to get their son on the adult donor list.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:58 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:58:16 GMT
Under a "doomsday" budget now being enacted, schools and students in the city of Philadelphia are facing devastating losses. Philadelphia is trying to convince the state not to let it happen.
Under a "doomsday" budget now being enacted, schools and students in the city of Philadelphia are facing devastating losses. Philadelphia is trying to convince the state not to let it happen.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:25 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:25:14 GMT
A vandal shattered both windows and nerves in a Cumberland County, New Jersey neighborhood. He did plenty of damage, but residents are thankful it wasn't any worse.
A vandal shattered both windows and nerves in a Cumberland County, New Jersey neighborhood. He did plenty of damage, but residents are thankful it wasn't any worse, because they know the vandal easily could have hurt someone.
Thursday, June 13 2013 5:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 21:55:49 GMT
A week ago Sarah cheered at the prospect of getting another chance at life. Now her family is waiting for her to take her first breath with her new donor lungs.
A week ago Sarah cheered at the prospect of getting another chance at life. Now her family is waiting for her to take her first breath with her new donor lungs.
Thursday, June 13 2013 5:44 PM EDT2013-06-13 21:44:11 GMT
It's a critical waiting period right now for a 10-year-old Delaware County girl. Sarah Murnaghan received her double lung transplant Wednesday, thanks to a judge's order that allowed her to get on
It's a critical waiting period right now for a 10-year-old Delaware County girl. Sarah Murnaghan received her double lung transplant Wednesday, thanks to a judge's order that allowed her to get on an adult organ donor waiting list despite her young age. And while the transplant is cause for celebration, Sarah still has quite a fight ahead.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:14 PM EDT2013-06-20 02:14:32 GMT
At approximately 2:45pm Wednesday afternoon, a bank robbery occurred at the National Penn Bank on E. High Street in Pottstown, PA. Police have captured three of the fours suspects so far.
At approximately 2:45pm Wednesday afternoon, a bank robbery occurred at the National Penn Bank on E. High Street in Pottstown, PA. Police have captured three of the fours suspects so far.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:19 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:19:58 GMT
Breaking news in North Philadelphia on the 2300 block of North Tenth Street, where three people, including a pregnant woman, were shot. This happened just before four this afternoon.
Breaking news in North Philadelphia on the 2300 block of North Tenth Street, where three people, including a pregnant woman, were shot. This happened just before four this afternoon.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:11 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:11:57 GMT
If you hated going to traffic court in Philadelphia, you won't have to anymore! Today, Governor Tom Corbett signed a bill abolishing traffic court,effective immediately.
If you hated going to traffic court in Philadelphia, you won't have to anymore! Today, Governor Tom Corbett signed a bill abolishing traffic court,effective immediately.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:57 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:57:28 GMT
A main line mascot gets the boot. At issue: cultural sensitivity.It's an issue that's been playing out on athletic fields all over America: re-thinking team names and the mascots that go with them.
A main line mascot gets the boot. At issue: cultural sensitivity.It's an issue that's been playing out on athletic fields all over America: re-thinking team names and the mascots that go with them.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:47 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:47:02 GMT
City administration officials came before a City Council committee with orders not to talk about the building collapse, but that didn't stop council members from raising questions.
City administration officials came before a City Council committee with orders not to talk about the building collapse, but that didn't stop council members from raising questions.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:06 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:06:59 GMT
Six of the people accused in one of the largest public corruption cases in our area's history plead guilty today in court. 18 people total are accused of bilking the Bensalem school district.
Six of the people accused in one of the largest public corruption cases in our area's history plead guilty today in court. 18 people total are accused of bilking the Bensalem school district.
A patient is given a flu shot Thursday. Health officials say the flu is now widespread in more than 40 states across the country.
