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Flu Shot

Monday, January 21, 2013

Flu Update: LVH and St. Luke's Restrict Hospital Visitors

People under 18 are not permitted to visit Lehigh Valley Hospital and St. Luke's Hospitals under new temporary restrictions.

Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke's University Health Network announced Monday that their hospitals are temporarily restricting visitors because of community-wide surges in the the flu and flu-like illnesses. Both networks said in prepared releases that visitors under age 18 will not be permitted in the hospitals. Also, people with flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, body aches) should not to come to the hospital to visit patients. Lehigh Valley Hospital said the visitation restrictions apply to hospital inpatient areas only and do not affect outpatient, procedure, treatment, diagnostic or pharmacy locations. St. Luke's University Health Network said the visitor restrictions are in effect at St. Luke’s Hospital – …

Diane Roberts

2:26 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013

Westfield Hospital, in Allentown, changed their visitation policy on January 10 when the surge in flu became imminent. Westfield also has restricted visitors, under the age of 18, to visit with those admitted and has asked that anyone who has a cough or flu-like symptoms not visit patients at the hospital. Westfield Hospital, who normally permits 24/7 visitation, reduced its visitng hours from 10…   more ›

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Health Tip: Is It the Flu or a Cold?

Flu cases have doubled in Pennsylvania in recent weeks and it's a good time to review the symptoms - and get a flu shot

It's still not too late to get a flu shot. There's been a big increase in flu cases in Pennsylvania in recent weeks. The following health tip is from the Pa. Department of Health: Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious disease that is caused by the influenza virus. It attacks the respiratory tract in humans (nose, throat, and lungs). The flu is different from a cold. Influenza usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms: These symptoms are usually referred to as "flu-like symptoms." If you think you have the flu, or do get sick, stay home from work or school so that you don’t infect or make others ill.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Pa. Flu Cases Have Doubled in Past Week

Flu cases in Pennsylvania have gone from sporadic to widespread, state health officials warn

The Department of Health reports there has been a significant rise in influenza activity across Pennsylvania since Thanksgiving.  The Department of Health is reporting flu activity has increased from sporadic to widespread throughout the state, meaning at least half of the state’s regions are experiencing outbreaks of influenza or increases in influenza-like illness. The flu made an appearance earlier this year than in most flu seasons, as widespread activity is usually not seen until January. The number of cases reported to the department more than doubled in the past week.  “If you decided to wait, now is the perfect time to get vaccinated against the flu,” Acting Secretary of Health Michael Wolf said. “Ensuring that you and your family …

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

CDC: Get Your Flu Shot

It's National Influenza Vaccination Week. Did you get your flu shot?

More than one-third of United States residents have already been vaccinated against the influenza virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Monday. With National Influenza Vaccination Week, which started last Sunday and ends Saturday, health officials aim to increase that percentage, especially since this year's season may be a bad one. Influenza—more commonly known as simply "the flu"—is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses infecting the nose, throat and lungs. It spreads via infected people coughing, sneezing or talking, though people can also get infected by touching something with the flu virus on it before touching their mouth, eyes or nose. The 2012-2013 season is shaping up to be one of the worst …

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Get a Flu Shot in and Around Emmaus Patch

Flu season typically begins in October and can run through May. Find out what you need to know to protect yourself and your family.

If you're the type who is prone to multi-tasking, you can put that dozen eggs and your flu shot on the same shopping list, provided you pick up your groceries at the Allentown Weis Market on Cedar Crest Boulevard or the Schnecksville Weis on Route 873. Both locations are partners with Lehigh Valley Health Network on a healthcare initiative known as Careworks Convenient Healthcare that results in, among other things, $30 flu shots, offered on a first-come, first-served walk-in basis in these two Weis locations. But, are you guaranteed to get the flu if you don’t get vaccinated against it? Of course not—but here’s why getting a flu vaccine just might be worth your while. Influenza, or the "flu,” is a contagious respiratory illness caused by …

StGabes

2:27 pm on Thursday, October 18, 2012

Don't get a flu shot! They have been lying to you, This shot contains ingredients that are not good for you and should not be in your body..... They claim 30+ thousand die a year that's BS..... Why do you think this shot is pushed at every Pharmacy? Flu Shot = Big bucks for Big Pharm... http://www.flu-treatments.com/flu-deaths.html http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2004/10/30/flu…   more ›

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