Waynesburg impacted by long flu season

The United States is currently in the midst of one of the most dangerous and widespread flu seasons in recent memory, as the most dominant strain spanned across the entire country earlier in the year than usual.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health website, there have been more than 85,000 documented cases of the flu in the state, with Greene County accounting for more than 200 of those confirmed cases. Although the number of patients heading to doctors offices for the flu declined this past week, according to CNN, influenza is expected to stay in the spotlight for several more weeks.

Additionally, although it may feel late in the season for a flu shot, local pharmacies and health centers are continuing to provide vaccinations into March, April and even May, if needed.

Lorie Widdup, a diabetes educator and immunization pharmacist with Rite Aid in Waynesburg, says flu seasons in recent years have been extending longer and longer into the spring season, and that it’s still important to get vaccinated if someone has neglected to do so.

“Last year, [the flu] was pretty prevalent in April and May too,” said Widdup. “And there’s still a possibility that could happen again because the vaccine is only about 30 percent effective. However, if someone would get the flu, their symptoms would be less severe because of the fact that they’re getting some protection.”

Widdup acknowledged that there is a stigma from a large group of people in the country about the effectiveness of this year’s vaccination, but still hopes people understand that being partially protected is better then not at all.

“It still protects you to some extent, especially if you have a chronic illness like asthma or heart disease or diabetes,” said Widdup. “We don’t pressure people but we try to reinforce the fact that if you at least get the shot you’ll get some protection, whereas if you don’t get the shot you won’t have any.”

The Rite Aid pharmacy itself has provided about 1,100 vaccinations this far this year, according to Widdup, from both inside the store and at events around the county.

Another pharmacy in Waynesburg still offering vaccinations is CVS, which are experiencing a busy flu season.

“This is probably the most we’ve vaccinated in a while since its been a really bad season,” said Sara Fleming, staff pharmacist.

Although some vaccines in stock may expire in April, there is no date when either pharmacy, Rite Aid or CVS, stops making flu shots available. With insurance, vaccinations are typically free, and with the flu season still expected to go on for at least another month, both pharmacies in Waynesburg would like to remind those in Greene County that it’s important to get protected.