Flu-related deaths, hospitalizations in Allegheny Co. down from last year, health department says

Local doctors say the difference between last year's flu season and this year's is night and day, but that doesn't mean we're out of the woods yet.

At this time last year, there were four deaths and more than 200 hospitalizations from the flu in Allegheny County. This year, there have been no deaths and only eight hospitalizations from the flu.

“So far the circulating viruses are very well matched to the vaccine that we are giving," Dr. Marc Itskowitz from Allegheny Health Network said.

We will be keeping in touch with local health officials about the flu and related illnesses all winter. Download the WPXI News App for the latest updates.

In addition to the better match, Itskowitz said more people received the vaccine this year, which could be attributed to the severity of the season last year.

“Nationally, flu cases actually dropped last week compared to a week before but it’s too early to say that we’re past the peak," he said.

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Cox Media Group