CDC reports 2,900 deaths in current flu season
ABC News (1/10, Schumaker) reported that influenza cases and deaths caused by influenza continue to increase across the U.S., according to the CDC. The agency says that 2,900 people have died and 55,000 have been hospitalized so far this season.
NBC News (1/10, Edwards) reported that “this season’s flu continues to hit children and young adults particularly hard,” according to the CDC. The article said “that there have been twice as many pediatric flu deaths so far this year than at the same time last year.”
CNN (1/10, Cohen) reported that flu activity in the U.S. decreased last week, but health officials warned that it would be premature to conclude that the season has already peaked.
BLOGFINGER MEDICAL COMMENTARY: Paul Goldfinger, MD, Editor Blogfinger.net
Children have been hit hard this flu season. The peak has not yet been reached.
The CDC says, “It’s going to be really important to see in the next couple of weeks, do we start going back up again as the children go back to school,” said Lynnette Brammer, team lead of the CDC’s domestic influenza surveillance team.
It’s not too late to get a flu shot. Don’t forget, those over age 65 may have diminished immune responses and a greater risk of getting Influenza and then having complications.
Children also have decreased immunity, and over age 6 months, flu shots should be given, and for babies, two shots may be recommended by pediatricians.
Complications of influenza can be awful and can cause deaths.
The articles linked above by the AMA are short but very informative. Take a look.
–Paul @Blogfinger.