Saturday, January 19, 2013
For now, signs of peace and wine distribution will follow regular procedures in the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh. Elsewhere around the country, some church leaders are mandating change to prevent flu from spreading.
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
- Cindi Lash
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Saturday, January 19
As the ongoing flu epidemic continues around the United States, some church leaders around the country are changing procedures and issuing recommendations for avoiding the contagious ailment while worshipping. At masses this weekend in the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, however, signs of peace and wine distribution from communal chalices during Communion will follow regular procedures, a diocesan spokesman said Friday. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops this week said it does not see the need for widespread changes to liturgy to prevent the spread of the flu nationally. It also noted that the decision lies with individual diocesan bishops to recommend or mandate such changes in their communities. For now in Western Pennsylvania, no …
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
This flu season is considered one of the worst in recent years. Heritage Valley Health System is continuing to monitor its situation daily to stay ahead of the virus.
Heritage Valley Health System is dealing with a higher-than-usual volume of flu cases this winter, considered to be the worst flu season in recent years. Starting just before Christmas, Tom Pangburn, director of emergency services at Heritage Valley Health System, said both the Sewickley and Beaver hospitals in the health system began seeing an uptick in influenza-type flu cases. “It’s continued to be consistently high with peaks and valleys since that time,” Pangburn said. While numbers fluctuate with more visits on Sundays and Mondays, Pangburn said the emergency room department is seeing about 10 to 15 percent more visits per day than a year ago, when there wasn't a huge influenza outbreak. Heritage Valley’s multi-disciplinary …
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Deb Brown, president and CEO of the American Lung Association of the Mid-Atlantic, also writes that preventing illness can be as simple as washing your hands.
- OPINION
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Sunday, January 13
To the Editor: Flu season is harsher this year than previous years. The American Lung Association of the Mid-Atlantic urges everyone to take healthy steps to weather the flu season. Vaccination is safe and effective and the best way to help prevent influenza. Influenza vaccine options are available for children, adults and seniors. Parents of young children should know that children 6 months through 8 years of age receiving a flu shot for the first time need two doses of vaccine, approximately one month apart, for optimal protection. Along with getting vaccinated, warding off influenza is as simple as washing your hands. Germ control during flu season is crucial to keeping yourself healthy. During flu season make sure that you: Visit www…
Friday, December 14, 2012
After a slow start, the number of flu cases in the Pittsburgh area has started to rise.
The flu may have passed you by this holiday season, but if you haven't had a flu shot yet, you are at risk. After a slow start, the number of flu cases in the Pittsburgh area has started to rise and is now approaching moderate to high levels. According to the Allegheny County Health Department, as of Dec. 4, there were 30 confirmed cases of the flu in Allegheny County, with the actual number predicted to be three to four times higher, the Pittsburgh Post Gazette reported. Last flu season, the number of cases in Pennsylvania reached its highest level in the last week of December and first week of January. This year, Pennsylvania has already hit last year's peak. Flu shots are available in the Sewickley area at many locations, including: …
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Heritage Valley Sewickley hospital, Allegheny County Health Department and local pharmacies in the Sewickley area offer immunization clinics.
With more flu cases popping up, it's time to get serious about your flu shot if you haven't gotten it yet. Who needs to get a flu shot? Heritage Valley Sewickley hospital, offered this list. Click here for more information on flu shots from the Centers for Disease Control. To receive a flu shot, schedule an appointment with a Heritage Valley primary care physician or visit a Heritage Valley ConvenientCare location, which require no appointment and has extended hours of operation. ConvenientCare locations are an alternative to hospital emergency departments for treatment of minor illnesses and injuries. Rite Aid is also offering flu shots for $24.99 through Dec. 15. Just walk in, no appointment needed. Pharmacy hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. …
40.5435
-80.17878
Heritage Valley Health System
720 Blackburn Rd, Sewickley, PA
/articles/flu-season-heating-up-do-you-have-your-flu-shot-ce4fc62c
1262208
/locations/8315339
Monday, September 26, 2011
Local pharmacies are offering vaccinations that can help to minimize the risk of getting the virus.
While the start of fall usually means cooler temperatures, lower humidity and picturesque scenery, it also begins something that most, if not all of us, dread. It is the beginning of flu season. “Flu season typically begins in the fall and ends in late spring,” said Mary Beth Baker, RN, employee health nurse with the West Penn Allegheny Health System. “People can get their flu vaccines as early as August, but optimally in September or October. The vaccine will last one entire flu season.” This year’s vaccine will protect against three strains of the flu, as well as the H1N1 virus and is available at many of your favorite pharmacies. Vaccination is the best form of prevention, Baker said. "More than 200,000 people in the United States are …
40.53991
-80.180019
Rite Aid
517 Beaver St, Sewickley, PA
/articles/its-back-the-dreaded-flu-season-373638b9
1262002
/locations/5456537
40.559044
-80.203111
Giant Eagle
100 Village Drive, Leetsdale, PA
/articles/its-back-the-dreaded-flu-season-373638b9
1258735
/locations/5456538
40.577023
-80.220902
Curves
24 Beaver St, Leetsdale, PA
/articles/its-back-the-dreaded-flu-season-373638b9
1838219
/locations/5456539
