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Flu

Monday, January 7, 2013

LVH Sets Up Separate ER for Flu Patients

An influx of patients suffering from flu-like illness has prompted Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest to set up a mobile tent outside the emergency department to treat patients.

In one of the worst flu outbreaks in years, Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Salisbury Township will open a separate emergency room Tuesday, Jan. 8 for patients experiencing flu-like symptoms. The hospital has set up a mobile tent outside the ER to handle an additional influx of patients suffering from flu-like illness, it said in a news release issued Monday. Patients who are experiencing flu-like symptoms should still report to the main ER entrance for triage, a hospital spokesman said. St. Luke’s University Health Network's six emergency rooms is currently seeing about 20 patients a day with flu-like symptoms but does not see a need to expand patient capacity at this time, said Dr. Jeffrey Jahre, chief of infectious diseases. The …

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Patch McCracken D.O. Gastroenterologist

5:24 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Medicare/Medicaid reimbursements??!!!! Nah --- oUhhhh! They told me to get vacine so i can display tag that states "I got Vaccinated, so I don't have to wear a blue mask." err "meant because I care." oh well at least I can bypass the tent of flu patients spreading it to maybe has it patients by stating "I dont have to go in there, I got the shot." to the person outside the main ER, diverting flu …   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 …

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

By the Numbers: West Nile Versus Flu

West Nile virus has been making headlines locally and nationally, so what does this mean for you? Should you be worried and how does this compare with other diseases?

West Nile virus made national news recently with an announcement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “We're in the midst of one of the largest West Nile virus outbreaks ever seen in the United States,” said Dr. Lyle Petersen, who is the director of the Division of Vector-borne Infectious Diseases at the CDC. We are hearing more about West Nile virus and the cases of the virus being found on our doorstep. Each weekday, the Pennsylvania West Nile Control Program releases more positive test results of West Nile found in mosquitoes, bird and other animals. Within the recent weeks, they’ve been reporting human cases including two from Lehigh County. Other than the news reports and the desire to keep away from painful mosquito …

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