Pennsylvania registered 26 more flu-related deaths last week, bringing the flu season total to 91, according to figures released by the state Tuesday. Of the 91 deaths, two involve people under 18. The vast majority of Pennsylvania deaths involve people 65 or older.



The number of confirmed cases in Pennsylvania now has surpassed the number recorded in the 2009-2010 and 2014-2015 flu seasons, the most severe of the past decade. Nationally, the flu has been raging in every state in the continental United States.



There are signs Pennsylvania's 2017-2018 flu season, which began in October, may be nearing a peak, as the number of new reported cases declined for the third consecutive week.

The most common strain by far continues to be H3N2, which is known for being especially hard on the very young, the very old and people with medical conditions that weaken their immune systems.



Doctors continue to advise people to get a flu shot, stressing that while people who have had a shot might still get the flu, it could well turn out to be much less severe, with life-threatening complications less likely.



Annually, between 600,000 and 2.4 million people come down with the flu in Pennsylvania and between 120 and 2,000 die. The flu season officially ends in May in Pennsylvania.