CDC Reports on Flu So Far This Season
February 19, 2008
CDC Reports on Flu So Far This Season
In a summary of U.S. seasonal influenza from the beginning of the 2007-08 season last September to February of this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the country as a whole experienced a relatively low incidence of flu this time around, though one of the strains infecting people is not included in the current vaccine. But even at this late date, it is a good idea to get vaccinated, the CDC points out, because having a shot may reduce the severity of any flu you pick up and may help to avoid the illness altogether. In an early release of flu information February 15, the CDC noted a small increase during this flu season in the number of influenza viruses resistant to the antiviral medication oseltamivir, which is often recommended for treatment of the flu, but CDC continues to recommend use of antivirals when people get the flu. As of February 9, a total of 10 deaths from laboratory-confirmed influenza in children from 4 months to 14 years of age had been reported to the CDC. The CDC continues to point out that, in addition to flu shots, ways to decrease the spread and impact of influenza include frequent handwashing, staying home from work or school when ill, and covering the nose or mouth when coughing and sneezing. Additional information on protection is available at www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm.