102 Die From Flu in PA

The early flu season hasn’t run its course yet.

Although flu-related emergency visits declined last week, there are still more flu cases than usual, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

So far, 102 flu-related deaths have been recorded throughout the entire state between Oct. 2, 2012 and Jan. 26, 2013.

The state Department of Health reports the number of confirmed cases and deaths from Oct 2 to Jan. 26:

• Chester County: 631 Cases, 1 Death
• Delaware County: 596 Cases, 1 Death
• Montgomery County: 1,207 Cases, 8 Deaths
• Philadelphia: 915 Cases, 10 Deaths

To find a place near you to get a flu shot, type your zip code into the Flu Finder site.

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.

Symptoms of the flu include:

• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Fever or chills
• Vomiting (more common in kids)
• Diarrhea (more common in kids)

The flu can also worsen chronic medical conditions or cause death.
State health officials say lab-confirmed flu cases represent only a fraction of those with the flu, since most people with the flu -- including those who seek health care -- are diagnosed on the presumption they have the flu without lab tests performed.