The flu season continues to affect many Americans across 50 states with all but two reporting "widespread" influenza infections.
In the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) weekly update, 48 states are reporting "widespread" influenza activity, an increase of one state from earlier this month, however some states have changed statuses.
The new CDC report has all states "widespread" except Tennessee and Hawaii, a change from when California and Mississippi joined Hawaii in not having "widespread" flu reports.
CDC Director Dr. Tom Freiden said the current flu season is as "worse than average season, particularly for the elderly."
However, relief appears to be in sight as reports state the flu season has reached a midpoint. The January or February months are usually the peaks months of the flu season.
"Many parts of the country are still seeing high - and in some parts - increasing levels of activity while overall activity is beginning to go down," said Frieden.
Despite Frieden's statement, he added that the number of hospitalization and deaths are likely to still rise.
According to the CDC's "Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Influenza," the influenza virus "spread from person to person primarily through large-particle respiratory droplet transmission (e.g., when an infected person coughs or sneezes near a susceptible person)."
Oddly enough, despite the peak months of the flu being in January or February, it is possible that the season can peak as late as April or May.
Related Articles:
Flu Epidemic 2013 Symptoms, 'High Risk' for Children, Elderly, and Pregnant Women; Hospitalization or Death from Flu Complications If Not Vaccinated
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
