The spring flu epidemic intensified, 18 children died and more than 2,000 were infected

The spring flu epidemic intensified, 18 children died and more than 2,000 were infected "Alberta Times" The latest influenza epidemic report released by the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the 4th...

Alberta Times

The latest influenza epidemic report released by the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the 4th pointed out that this year’s influenza season not only started early, but also came fiercely, and the epidemic continued to expand. In the week of December 23 to 29 alone, 2,257 people were hospitalized due to influenza in the United States, and 18 children died from influenza-related complications. It is expected that the influenza epidemic has not yet reached its peak, the epidemic will continue to worsen, and more than half of the states will see a significant increase in cases. CDC spokesperson Skinner said that so far, the influenza strain responsible is mainly "H3N2". Young children and the elderly should be especially careful and should receive influenza vaccination for protection. The CDC said that 29 states and New York City have reported rampant influenza epidemics. In the week ending December 22, only 16 states and New York City had rampant epidemics. The CDC also stated that the current influenza epidemic is "common" in 41 states, which is more rapid than the previous 31 states. The epidemic in Arizona is "moderate" and there are no reports of deaths. The typical flu period lasts about 12 weeks, but the CDC says this flu period may be longer than usual. Skinner said the flu season usually peaks at the end of January or early February, but this season's flu began in the South and Southeast in November last year. The epidemic was severe and widespread, which is quite unusual. Skinner said last season's flu was relatively mild, and this season's flu strains are expected to be more virulent. The CDC says an estimated 36,000 people die from influenza and related complications during a typical flu season. The best defense is for everyone from children as young as six months to the elderly to get a flu shot (vaccinated). Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, tiredness, headache, body aches, runny nose, etc. Experts say if you have the flu, you should take antiviral medication immediately.