Pennsylvania reports 22 flu-related deaths amid high hospitalization rates
Health officials urging vaccinations and preventive measures.
Updated: 8:48 AM EST Jan 3, 2026
Pennsylvania has reported 22 flu-related deaths and over 35,000 confirmed cases since the flu season began in September, with hospitalizations reaching high levels.”Just a reminder that people do die from flu every day,” said Dr. Crawford Faucher, highlighting the ongoing impact of the virus.According to the health department, 552 adults and 142 children have been hospitalized due to the flu. Despite the concerning numbers, Dr. Faucher noted that not as many people are getting their flu vaccines this season.”It is not. It takes about two weeks for it to kick in and provide the maximum benefit,” she said, emphasizing the importance of vaccination.Dr. Faucher expressed concern over the skepticism surrounding the flu vaccine, saying, “I think there’s continuing to be some skepticism, which is too bad because we’re seeing the result of that.”She also addressed common misconceptions, stating, “People say, ‘Well, I’ve not gotten the flu shot, and I’ve never gotten the flu, and I say congrats that’s great, but we still get outbreaks.”To protect against the flu, Dr. Faucher advised simple preventive measures: “Wash your hands, don’t touch your face, sneeze into your elbow, not into your hand, and if you’re in a crowded place, if you’re traveling, you might want to bring out those face masks.”With flu season lasting into March, health officials continue to urge vaccinations and adherence to preventive practices.
Pennsylvania has reported 22 flu-related deaths and over 35,000 confirmed cases since the flu season began in September, with hospitalizations reaching high levels.
“Just a reminder that people do die from flu every day,” said Dr. Crawford Faucher, highlighting the ongoing impact of the virus.
According to the health department, 552 adults and 142 children have been hospitalized due to the flu. Despite the concerning numbers, Dr. Faucher noted that not as many people are getting their flu vaccines this season.
“It is not. It takes about two weeks for it to kick in and provide the maximum benefit,” she said, emphasizing the importance of vaccination.
Dr. Faucher expressed concern over the skepticism surrounding the flu vaccine, saying, “I think there’s continuing to be some skepticism, which is too bad because we’re seeing the result of that.”
She also addressed common misconceptions, stating, “People say, ‘Well, I’ve not gotten the flu shot, and I’ve never gotten the flu, and I say congrats that’s great, but we still get outbreaks.”
To protect against the flu, Dr. Faucher advised simple preventive measures: “Wash your hands, don’t touch your face, sneeze into your elbow, not into your hand, and if you’re in a crowded place, if you’re traveling, you might want to bring out those face masks.”
With flu season lasting into March, health officials continue to urge vaccinations and adherence to preventive practices.