No Sign of Flu Season Peak Yet-Illness Continues to Spead

The State Health Department reported Tuesday there were 18 influenza-related deaths last week, bringing to 22 the total number of flu-related deaths this season. The number of confirmed flu cases jumped to a total of 11,327 since Oct. 2, 2012.   More than 7,000 flu cases were reported during the last two weeks of December, and the flu season has not yet peaked.

Distribution of flu cases reported in Pennsylvania
 this season by county, 10/02/12 - 01/05/2013

Flu cases have now been reported in all the state's 67 counties. Philadelphia is reporting severe cold and flu symptoms.  The number of cases are not expected to peak until mid-January or February, so it is not too late to get a flu shot. Please visit www.flu.gov for a listing of flu shot locations in Philadelphia, symptoms and prevention methods. If you are sick with flu-like illness, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.

What can you do if you don't have earned sick days while you or your family member is sick with the flu? Tell us your story so that we can work with you to help all workers have access to earned sick days!