Chances are if you talk to family members and friends they or someone they know has or had the flu.

They aren’t alone, as the U.S. flu season is running rampant, with health care facilities and pharmacies being swarmed with patients and customers at rates they haven’t seen in over a decade.

Dr. David Burmeister, chair of the Department of Emergency and Hospital Medicine, Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health, said that since the last week in December, they have seen consistently higher admissions.

“We have also seen a larger inpatient census due to the respiratory viral season and other complexities associated with patients across our region,” Burmeister said. “The high rate of respiratory viruses impacts not only hospitalizations, but also timeliness of other testing and, in vulnerable populations, may significantly increase their need for supportive services, even if they are not admitted.”

Burmeister added, “Many of the patients we are seeing in the Emergency Department did not get the flu vaccine this year.”

“While the majority of our cases are Influenza A, there are predictions that we may continue to have cases including Influenza B into the spring,” he said. “It’s not too late to vaccinate.”

Despite the added pressure that’s been put on the ER, Burmeister noted the department is coping.

“They are handling well with the focus on our community,” he said. “There have been volume surges in our EDs, but we have put in place mechanisms to handle that volume, so that patients are getting the care they need.”

Burmeister expanded upon that idea.

“Emergency medicine is a dynamic specialty, and we continually look for new processes to handle our community’s needs,” he said. “LVHN EDs have mechanisms in place to evaluate for needed resources many times each day.”

Burmeister said that the flu is at its highest rate in a decade.

“This has been one of the highest influenza surges we have seen over the past 10 years,” he said. “In conjunction with RSV, COVID and norovirus, many patients have significant symptoms from viral illnesses.”

So, what exactly can those affected do to help them get back on the mend?

“Stay home if you have a cough, fever and chills and until your fever is gone,” he said. “Wash your hands frequently and wear a mask if you must go out in public.”

Burmeister added a few more tips.

“Rest and take over the counter anti-fever medications to reduce your temperature,” he said. “Drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated.”

It’s been much the same at St. Luke’s Carbon Campus, according to David Gibson, St. Luke’s Carbon vice president, Patient Care Services.

“Rates of respiratory illnesses, including influenza, have been on the rise over the last couple of months,” Gibson said. “The team in our emergency department have been doing an outstanding job managing the increased volume and ensuring every patient seeking out our care is cared for in a safe and comprehensive manner.”

Gibson added, “We are probably seeing our biggest increase in the last couple of years.”

He then shared some tips for those who have the flu/influenza.

“For those who have the flu, be sure to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated,” Gibson said. “Seek medical care if you are having severe symptoms such as high fevers or shortness of breath.”

Local independent pharmacies haven’t been spared from treating customers for the flu either.

First National Pharmacy in Lehighton has seen an uptick in Tamiflu prescriptions for the flu, according to Dave Silvonek, manager.

In addition, Silvonek said there has been a vaccine hesitancy, and urged customers to get their RSV and COVID shots, noting that it isn’t too late to get the flu shot.

As for any tips in dealing with the flu, Silvonek offered several suggestions.

“Avoid coughing in public, wash hands as long at it takes, try to isolate,” Silvonek said. “And not to forget to get your flu shot in early September.”