(Undated) — Flu cases are spiking across the country with the rapid spread of a dangerous new strain.
The CDC estimates that there have been 24 million flu cases this season. That’s led to 310 thousand hospitalizations and 13 thousand deaths, including 57 children. The number of flu-related doctor visits has climbed to a 15-year high.
The CDC says outpatient respiratory illness is increasing and remains above baseline nationally for the tenth consecutive week.
The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get an annual influenza vaccine. There are prescription flu antiviral drugs that can treat flu illness; those should be started as early as possible and are especially important for patients at higher risk for severe illness.
