Flu worsens, hitting 48 states, 29 children die

Flu worsens, hitting 48 states, 29 children die Federal health officials said Friday that an already bad flu season continues to cause more...

Flu worsens, hitting 48 states, killing 29 children An already bad flu season continues to wreak havoc across the United States, with older adults hardest hit, federal health officials said Friday. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 29 children have died from the flu. We're only about halfway through the flu season, and the worst outcomes are likely to continue to get worse as people who contract the flu develop complications. The CDC said 30 states are experiencing high influenza outbreaks, up from 24 states last week. More than 5,000 people have become seriously ill and have to be hospitalized. "Widespread influenza outbreaks have been reported in 48 states," the CDC said in its weekly flu report. Flu cases are increasing in some areas, particularly in the West, but the number of patients seeking medical attention with flu-like symptoms is declining. Arizona had only sporadic influenza cases in late December, and by January-December, influenza reports were classified as widespread by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Extensive" means that more than 50% of the area is affected. This description only addresses the scope of its impact, not its severity. The CDC says the flu vaccine is far from perfect, and this year's flu shot is about 62% effective. But it’s the best prevention tool.