Still Ducking the Flu? Review These Myths vs. Flu Facts

Does a flu shot cause the flu? Do healthy people need a shot? Here are the answers to some myths—and a list of places to get a flu shot in Pine and Richland.

So you've managed to avoid the flu so far this season, but you're still worried your luck may run out if you don't take precautions. The Henry Ford Health System, headquartered in Detroit, has released this fact sheet on the truths and myths of fighting the flu: The flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family. However, misconceptions about vaccination persist. Here are seven common myths about vaccination.  For a list of places to get a flu shot in Pine and Richland, click here. Flu Myth #1: A Flu Shot Causes the Flu No, a flu shot cannot cause flu illness. The influenza viruses contained in a flu shot are inactivated (killed), which means they cannot cause infection. Flu vaccine manufacturers kill the viruses used …

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Letters to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: In a Harsh Flu Season, Vaccination is the Best Prevention

Deb Brown, president and CEO of the American Lung Association of the Mid-Atlantic, writes that preventing illness can be as simple as washing your hands.

To the Editor: Flu season is harsher this year than previous years. The American Lung Association of the Mid-Atlantic urges everyone to take healthy steps to weather the flu season. Vaccination is safe and effective and the best way to help prevent influenza. Influenza vaccine options are available for children, adults and seniors.  Parents of young children should know that children 6 months through 8 years of age receiving a flu shot for the first time need two doses of vaccine, approximately one month apart, for optimal protection. Along with getting vaccinated, warding off influenza is as simple as washing your hands. Germ control during flu season is crucial to keeping yourself healthy.  During flu season make sure that you: Visit www…

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Allegheny County Reports Four Recent Flu Deaths

Pennsylvania is reporting high influenza activity, according to the state health department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Allegheny County certainly isn't immune from the widespread outbreak of influenza reported by the Pennsylvania Health Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Allegheny County Health Department reports four local deaths in the last few weeks have been attributed to the influenza Type A virus. All four deaths have been patients 65 years or older, with the oldest victim 98 years old, according to Dr. Jim Lando, acting director of the department's Office of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. "Influenza does take people each year," he said. "That's why we do recommend that people get vaccinated." Watch Video: Jackie Evancho and Family Encourage You to Get Flu Vaccine Lando said that between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 2012—the most …

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CDC Says the Season is Here: Where to Get Flu Shots in the Pine-Richland Area

After a slow start, the number of flu cases in the Pittsburgh area has started to rise.

The flu may have passed you by this holiday season, but if you haven't had a flu shot yet, you are at risk. After a slow start, the number of flu cases in the Pittsburgh area has started to rise and is now approaching moderate to high levels. According to the Allegheny County Health Department, as of Dec. 4, there were 30 confirmed cases of the flu in Allegheny County, with the actual number predicted to be three to four times higher, the Pittsburgh Post Gazette reported.  Last flu season, the number of cases in Pennsylvania reached its highest level in the last week of December and first week of January. This year, Pennsylvania has already hit last year's peak.   Flu shots are available in the Pine-Richland area at many locations, …

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Flu Season Heating Up; Do You Have Your Flu Shot?

Doctor offers guidance on flu symptoms and flu shots.

With more flu cases popping up, it's time to get serious about your flu shot if you haven't gotten it yet.  Who needs to get a flu shot? Doctors recommend the following: Click here for more information on flu shots from the Centers for Disease Control. The Allegheny County Health Department offers flu shots at its walk-in clinic at 3441 Forbes Ave. in Oakland. No Appointment necessary:
• Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wednesdays, 1 to 8 p.m. The Health Department’s walk-in clinic provides flu shots as a covered benefit to people with Medicare Part B who are not in an HMO and may get vaccine from any Medicare-approved provider.  The charge is $25 for others, including Medicare Part B subscribers in an HMO who …

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