FLU VACCINATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED TO BE TAKEN ANNUALLY IN NORTH INDIA., PARTICULARY FOR SENIOR CITIZENS.
Flu Season Hits High Gear: CDC
Friday, 03 Jan 2014 08:21 PM
•
Nearly half of the United States is reporting widespread influenza activity, most of it attributed to the H1N1 virus that caused a worldwide pandemic in 2009,
the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Friday.
Thousands of people die every year from flu, which peaks in the United States between October and March. The flu is spreading quickly this season, with 25 states already reporting cases, the CDC said.
"We are seeing a big uptick in disease in the past couple of weeks. The virus is all around the United States right now," said Dr. Joe Bresee, chief of Epidemiology and Prevention in the CDC's Influenza Division.
In 2009-2010, the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, spread from Central Mexico to 74 other countries, killing an estimated 284,000 people, according to the CDC.
While younger people were more susceptible to H1N1 in 2009, Bresee said it is too early to tell whether the same will be true this year.
This season's virus has killed six children in the United States, according to CDC data. The agency does not track adult deaths, but dozens have been reported around the country.
"There is still a lot of season to come. If folks haven't been vaccinated, we recommend they do it now," Bresee said.
Texas has been one of the harder hits states, where at least 25 people have died this season from the flu, local health officials said.
The Texas Department of State Health Services issued an "influenza health alert" on December 20, advising clinicians to consider antiviral treatment, even if an initial rapid
FLU VACCINATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED TO BE TAKEN ANNUALLY IN NORTH INDIA., PARTICULARY FOR SENIOR CITIZENS. more
Friday, 03 Jan 2014 08:21 PM
•
Nearly half of the United States is reporting widespread influenza activity, most of it attributed to the H1N1 virus that caused a worldwide pandemic in 2009,
the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Friday.
Thousands of people die every year from flu, which peaks in the United States between October and March. The flu is spreading quickly this season, with 25 states already reporting cases, the CDC said.
"We are seeing a big uptick in disease in the past couple of weeks. The virus is all around the United States right now," said Dr. Joe Bresee, chief of Epidemiology and Prevention in the CDC's Influenza Division.
In 2009-2010, the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, spread from Central Mexico to 74 other countries, killing an estimated 284,000 people, according to the CDC.
While younger people were more susceptible to H1N1 in 2009, Bresee said it is too early to tell whether the same will be true this year.
This season's virus has killed six children in the United States, according to CDC data. The agency does not track adult deaths, but dozens have been reported around the country.
"There is still a lot of season to come. If folks haven't been vaccinated, we recommend they do it now," Bresee said.
Texas has been one of the harder hits states, where at least 25 people have died this season from the flu, local health officials said.
The Texas Department of State Health Services issued an "influenza health alert" on December 20, advising clinicians to consider antiviral treatment, even if an initial rapid
FLU VACCINATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED TO BE TAKEN ANNUALLY IN NORTH INDIA., PARTICULARY FOR SENIOR CITIZENS. more
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I read a suggestion in a paper the daily steaming for a few minutes with a drop of eucalyptus oil in the boiling water is a good method to prevent flu. more
Jan 08
Agree - it should be the latest formulation, for an annual shot and it is still no guarantee that one will not get the flu. The flu virus continually evolves into new and many strains. A new vaccine is typically formulated every year for multiple strains of H1N1, H3N2 and type-B strains especially when large scale infections are reported. Basic hygiene such as washing hands, reasonable distance from infected people, keeping hands away from mucous membranes of eyes, nose and mouth, etc. are a good first line of defense. more
Jan 08
those who want to get vaccine should be aware of the fact that the vaccine effect is not permanent. and it certainly does not guarantee that flu will not happen. there are too many viruses that may cause a flu. and there are always side effects. more
Jan 07
DR. REKHA, FLU VACCINE HAS TO BE TAKEN EVERY YEAR. Pneumonia VACCINE HAS TO BE TAKEN BETWEEN 3 TO 5 YEARS. THIS IS WHAT IS RECOMMENDED. PARTICULARLY THE SENIOR CITIZENS. more
Jan 07
