3 more die of flu complications in Allegheny County

Three more people have died from complications related to the flu in Allegheny County, the health department announced Monday.

Experts have been saying for weeks how serious this flu is, with doctors seeing more people, and even young healthy people, contracting the flu.

While two of the latest victims were in their 90s, the third was in her early 40s, and experts say they likely won't be the last killed by the flu this season.

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“This is a severe illness, so when you have a severe disease … flu is not a minor illness. It is a severe illness with a lot of mortality associated with it,” said Dr. Mohamed Yassin.

In the last two weeks, three more people died from the disease, bringing the number of deaths in Allegheny County to 14 this season, which isn't over yet. The health department has not said if any of those victims had an underlying medical condition.

Last season, only nine people died.

“This year is very different because the numbers are really still increasing,” said Yassin, director of infection control at UPMC Mercy.

"This year's a little bit different, where you see a presentation of relatively healthy younger folks is higher for sure. We don't know for sure what the reason is behind that."

Doctors say to seek medical attention if you feel sick – don't go to work or somewhere where you can spread the flu. When possible, wash your hands and consider wearing a mask.

And it isn't too late to get your flu shot.

Cox Media Group