Flu levels rise in Phila.; shots recommended

The Philadelphia Health Department has warned that influenza levels have increased from low to moderate over the last two weeks and suggested that people in at-risk groups get flu shots.

"If you have not gotten a flu shot this season, it is not too late. There is still plenty of vaccine available," city Health Commissioner Donald F. Schwarz said last week.

Influenza is caused by a respiratory virus and is spread by direct contact or through the air from the sneeze or cough of an infected person. Among those who are at risk: children 6 months to 5 years old; everyone over 50; pregnant women; nursing-home and other long-term-care residents; and anyone who has contact with people in those at-risk groups.

At-risk Philadelphians who are unable to get flu shots from their physicians may get them from city health care centers, Schwarz said. The centers are at: 1400 Lombard St.; 1720 S. Broad St.; 555 S. 43d St.; 4400 Haverford Ave.; 1900 N. 20th St.; 301 W. Girard Ave.; 131 E. Chelten Ave.; 2230 Cottman Ave.; and 2840 W. Dauphin St.

- Inquirer staff