Deadly Flu Season Hits Its Peak, Says CDC
If it seems like everyone around you is sick, it might be because according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) we are in peak flu season, and one which started earlier than normal and has brought with it a particularly nasty strain of the H3N2 virus — especially for children and senior citizens.
The virus has been so bad this season, it's being labeled an epidemic and has caused school cancellations in five states across the country. It's also been the cause of 20 flu-related deaths since the season began on Oct. 1 2017.
"Based on the latest available data, the United States could be experiencing one of the most severe flu seasons in years," writes NPR. And as of this week, it's thought that the US has several more weeks to go, warns the agency.
The CDC is reporting "high flu activity" in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming.
"Lots of cases [are] happening, in lots of states, all at the same time," said the director of the CDC's Influenza Division in the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Dr. Daniel B. Jernigan, on "Good Morning America" Wednesday.
Those with flu-like symptoms should get to the doctor within 48 hours, the window when antiviral drugs have the best shot at treating the illness. For tips on how to safe healthy while traveling, check out this article.
Photo: Troy Ali, 21 of Portland receives a flu shot from Greater Portland Health medical assistant Anissa Millette. (Photo by Carl D. Walsh/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images)
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