Last week, that number was clearly higher than the peak of any winter flu season since , according to data posted Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of course, other viral infections can be mistaken for flu. Available data also suggests another respiratory illness, RSV, has been fading.
The flu has forced schools to shut down in some states. The Godley Independent School District, a 3,student system near Fort Worth, Texas, last week closed for three days after students and 60 staff were out Tuesday.
Jeff Meador, a district spokesman, called it the worst flu season he could remember. So far this season, the CDC estimates, there have been at least 24 million flu illnesses, , hospitalizations and 13, deaths β including at least 57 children. Traditionally, flu season peaks around February.
Overall, 43 states reported high or very high flu activity last week. Flu was most intense in the South, Southwest and western states. The CDC declined to let an Associated Press reporter speak to an agency flu expert about the upswing. Health officials are closely watching a third strain β a bird flu known as Type A H5N1 β that has sickened tens of millions of animals, but is known to have infected only 67 people in the U.
To avoid seasonal viruses , doctors say you should avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth because germs can spread that way. You should also wash your hands with soap and water, clean frequently touched surfaces and avoid close contact with people who are sick. Skip to content. David for a Day. Zeam - News Streams. The CW. Circle Country. Gray DC Bureau. Digital Marketing. By The Associated Press.
