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 – …

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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 ›

Flu Vaccine Scarce; Some Offer Precautions

If you're still looking for a flu shot, you may be out of luck.

With the news about this winter's flu getting worse and worse, some pharmacies are running low or running out of the vaccine. Andt the Catholic Church, too, is getting in on preventive measures. If you're at Mass this weekend, you'll notice that there will be no drinking from a chalice during Holy Communion, according to a press release from the Diocese of Allentown issued Friday. In addition, there will be no physical contact during the sign of peace. Instead of a handshake, parishioners may bow or nod to their fellow worshipers. These directives are temporary and will remain in effect until Allentown Bishop John Barres withdraws them, it said. As of 2 p.m. Friday, the status of flu vaccine supplies at pharmacies in Lower Macungie Patch …

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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.

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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 …

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CDC: Get Your Flu Shot

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

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  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 flu …

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