CDC Issues Flu Alert, Warns America Could Come Under Grip Of Deadly Flu

Flu Cases Reported From 36 States In America!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that a lethal strain of influenza is circulating in America, showing signs of developing into a severe flu season. Cases have already been reported from at least 36 states in America. The strain is The H3N2 strain, but it has started mutating just after the vaccine for this year was created by health experts, leading to much lower effectiveness of the vaccine. The H3N2 virus was predominant during the 2012-13, 2007-08 and 2003-04 flu seasons, and those were harsh flu seasons. The 2014-2015 could go the same way as well, at least till April.

15 Minor Deaths Reported This Year

According to Dr. Michael Jhung, a Medical Officer with the CDC’s influenza division, “We’re seeing things that we see every year,” “We’re not seeing dramatically higher levels of flu activity than we see every year.” Those at risk are infants under 5 (particularly those under 2), elderly citizens above 65, pregnant women and those who have a chronic history of asthma, diabetes, heart or lung disease, and kidney disease. In fact, till date 15 deaths have been reported among infants. Last year, there were 109 deaths.

Less Effective Vaccine A Cause For Concern

The biggest worry this year is that the vaccine they have created is much less effective that the vaccines of previous years, leaving people at high risk of picking up this virus strain. CDC is imploring citizens to get themselves vaccinated and have said that only 40% have heeded the calls so far. The flu season has just started, and if the vaccine is taken now it could be effective in preventing those who are vaccinated from contracting the flu. Google advices guest post service for its google news services.