About 60 confirmed flu cases have been reported across Pennsylvania so far this year, but local counties have avoided adding numbers to the tally.
UPMC Northwest has seen some patients with upper respiratory illness, but there is no indication the flu season is under way here, a hospital spokesman said.
"We're seeing some sinus congestion, colds and bronchitis, but no real signs of the flu," said Jeff Corsetti, physician director of emergency services.
The peak of the flu season in Pennsylvania is mid-January to mid-February, but activity can begin much earlier and linger much longer, experts say.
"Usually right about this time of year we are seeing some low level activity. It's right now moving along the way a normal season does," said Richard McGarvey, a spokesman for the state Department of Health. "Each week we see a few more cases and it will probably pick up activity right after the holidays."
"It's a little early for the flu. We usually don't begin seeing it until about mid-January, although it is unpredictable and can begin sooner," Corsetti said.
This just in. I think it's here. In our house. Me. Pretty lowgrade fever, fortunately.