Flu cases surge across Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware as officials urge vaccinations

HAVERTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) — Flu activity is spiking across the region, and health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated as the season reaches its peak.

Mike Devlin of Havertown said he hasn’t gotten his flu shot yet and is starting to feel under the weather.

“Something caught me right now… guess I should be a little concerned,” Devlin said while picking up medicine for his symptoms. “Woke up like a little bit of sinus pressure and stuff, so I just want to get rid of it while I can.”

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports flu cases in Pennsylvania and Delaware are in the “high” category, while New Jersey is seeing “very high” numbers as the virus spreads nationwide.

“We are probably around that peak period now,” said Gayle Mendoza of the Philadelphia Health Department.

She noted that while the season is well underway, it’s not too late to get vaccinated.

“It does take a few weeks for that flu vaccine to really ramp up and build up antibodies in a person’s system. In order for that to happen, that’s why you should get it right now. Get it as soon as you can,” said Mendoza.

Many residents said they got their shots earlier in the season.

“I got my flu and my COVID because I’m a senior citizen,” said Mary Hogan of Upper Darby.

Devlin said he plans to get vaccinated at an upcoming doctor’s appointment – a decision Mendoza called wise.

“Some protection is better than no protection,” she said.