The flu season has been confirmed to be an epidemic in the U.S. with 47 states considered "widespread."
California, Hawaii, and Mississippi are the only states to not have "widespread" activity of the influenza, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The number of states affected by the flu is an increase from 41 to 47 in just one week, however, fewer states are reporting higher levels of flu-like symptoms.
"Generally we do see flu roll across the country as it rolls across the globe and spreads to the West," said CDC Director Tom Frieden. "So it's not unexpected to see it start in the South and Southeast and then spread gradually to the West."
Frieden noted that flu cases in the south and southeast of the U.S. appear to be on the decline as figures might have already peaked in the region.
Fatality numbers caused by the flu are normally released after the flu season ends, but the CDC has stated deaths of children younger than 18 years old have increased with a total of 20 so far this season.
CDC Influenza Division's Joseph Bresee said the flu vaccine is 62 percent effective, meaning four in 10 people who receive the vaccine are still likely to be infected by the flu.
"We'd love to it to be better, but it is a substantial public health benefit for the population," said Bresee.
Symptoms of the flu, according to the CDC, include fever or feeling feverish/chills, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and for some people, vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
The CDC has provided tips to avoid capturing the flu:
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you or your child gets sick with a respiratory illness, like flu, limit contact with others as much as possible to help prevent spreading illness. Stay home (or keep your child home) for at least 24 hours after fever is gone except to seek medical care or for other necessities. Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. This will block the spread of droplets from your mouth or nose that could contain germs.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
The CDC recommends people six months and older to get a flu shot.
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