Flu continues to spread, outbreak now in 47 states
By: Nikki Henderson
Updated: January 11, 2013
Flu activity remains high across the country.
Friday 47 states reported widespread flu cases as of
the week ending Jan. 5, up from 41 the previous week.
Centers for Disease Control Director Dr. Tom Frieden said, "Truly, only the next week or two will show whether we have, in fact, crossed the peak." "Nationally, it's likely that influenza will continue for several more weeks."
According to a recent CDC report more than 3,700 people have been hospitalized for the flu since October, and 20 children have died. Most of the hospitalizations have been in people older than 65.
CDC officials said this year's vaccines appear to be about 55 percent effective against influenza A strains, which are responsible for most illness and more severe cases, and about 70 percent effective against influenza B, which is usually less serious, the report showed.
The CDC report also showed flu activity was elevated all across the U.S., except in the far west region that includes Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii and Nevada.
Courtesy: MSNBC
