This year's severe flu season has claimed lives in our area.
A spokesperson from the Lehigh Valley Health Network confirms a baby died over the weekend.
This year's flu epidemic in so severe that the hospital set up a special triage tent.
In just the past two days, the hospital tells us they've seen between 80 and 100 patients for flu symptoms.
Pennsylvania recorded 22 flu-related deaths this season, as of Jan. 5, according to the state's Department of Health.
The counties surrounding Philadelphia region are seeing some of the worst concentration of cases.
In other state, like Illinois, so many patients with flu-like symptoms are flooding emergency rooms that hospitals have been forced to turn away ambulances with non-emergency cases.
U.S. health officials say the strain of influenza virus going around this year has been linked to more hospital admissions and deaths.
But doctors are still trying to figure out why this year's strain is so bad.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29 states are reporting high flu activity, and 41 states are reporting widespread geographic flu activity for the week that ended Dec. 29.
Health officials around the country agree that it is not too late to get a flu shot, and this would be a really good year to get one.
For more information on where you can find flu shot clinics, click here.
Thursday, May 16 2013 11:50 AM EDT2013-05-16 15:50:32 GMT
Parents, ever wonder what kind of crazy stuff your kids are trying when you're not around? Some are harmless. But we'll show you a few that are really dangerous.
Parents, ever wonder what kind of crazy stuff your kids are trying when you're not around? Some are harmless. But we'll show you a few that are really dangerous.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 5:49 PM EDT2013-05-14 21:49:13 GMT
A Hollywood A-lister takes the world by surprise by opening up about a very private matter. Angelina Jolie revealed Tuesday she chose to have a double mastectomy to lower her risk of getting cancer.
A Hollywood A-lister takes the world by surprise by opening up about a very private matter. Angelina Jolie revealed Tuesday she chose to have a double mastectomy to lower her risk of getting cancer. Jolie's not the first woman to do it, but she may be the most high profile. Her decision is touching off a serious conversation about the preventive measure.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 10:57 AM EDT2013-05-14 14:57:52 GMT
Angelina Jolie has gotten a surgery she hopes will save her life. The actress says she had a preventative double mastectomy after finding out she carried the breast cancer gene.
Angelina Jolie has gotten a surgery she hopes will save her life. The actress says she had a preventative double mastectomy after finding out she carried the breast cancer gene.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:21 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:21:46 GMT
He became an Internet celebrity for his interview after stopping a murder. But now it appears the tables have turned for "Kai the Hatchet-Wielding Hitchhiker."
He became an Internet celebrity for his interview after stopping a murder. But now it appears the tables have turned for "Kai the Hatchet-Wielding Hitchhiker."
Thursday, May 16 2013 8:39 AM EDT2013-05-16 12:39:06 GMT
Investigators say a police-involved shooting occurred early Thursday morning after someone broke into an off-duty officer's shed outside a home in Northeast Philadelphia.
Investigators say a police-involved shooting occurred early Thursday morning after someone broke into an off-duty officer's shed outside a home in Northeast Philadelphia.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 2:57 PM EDT2013-05-15 18:57:53 GMT
Philadelphia abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell has been sentenced to a third life term for killing an aborted baby that he described as so big it could "walk to the bus."
Philadelphia abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell has been sentenced to a third life term for killing an aborted baby that he described as so big it could "walk to the bus."
Tuesday, May 14 2013 1:18 PM EDT2013-05-14 17:18:57 GMT
Authorities now say an early-morning shooting in Burlington County involved a police officer and a man he found in the street, both of whom were wounded.
Authorities now say an early-morning shooting in Burlington County involved a police officer and a man he found in the street, both of whom were wounded.
Monday, May 20 2013 3:36 PM EDT2013-05-20 19:36:33 GMT
Philadelphia Police have released surveillance video hoping that someone will recognize the suspect wanted a fatal stabbing. At 5:09 AM, on April 16, police were called out to the 400 block of Vollmer
Philadelphia Police have released surveillance video hoping that someone will recognize the suspect wanted a fatal stabbing. At 5:09 AM, on April 16, police were called out to the 400 block of Vollmer
Monday, May 20 2013 2:22 PM EDT2013-05-20 18:22:16 GMT
Tuesday morning will feature another round patchy fog. It will be a mild and muggy start with temps in the mid 60s for the city and around 60 for the suburbs. Look for more clouds than sun with highs the low 80s. There could be a few spotty showers during the day.
Monday, May 20 2013 2:21 PM EDT2013-05-20 18:21:09 GMT
A picture taken of the rare Ben Franklin bust, valued at $3 million. The bust was stolen from a Brywn Mawr home in August.
A housekeeper has been sentenced to six years in federal prison in the theft of a Benjamin Franklin bust stolen in suburban Philadelphia and reportedly worth $3 million.Andrea Lawton, 47, of Mobile, Ala.,
A housekeeper has been sentenced to six years in federal prison in the theft of a Benjamin Franklin bust stolen in suburban Philadelphia and reportedly worth $3 million.Andrea Lawton, 47, of Mobile, Ala.,
Monday, May 20 2013 1:25 PM EDT2013-05-20 17:25:38 GMT
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night. "It's like a nightmare, it's the worst nightmare anyone can think of. I keep thinking
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night.
