Flu now widespread in 43 US states, CDC says

The flu season is upon us and new figures released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that the illness has become widespread in almost every state.

CBS News noted that the on Monday, the CDC said that influenza is widespread in 43 states and hospitalization rates are nearly double this year compared to this time last year.

Pediatric deaths are also up this season. At this time last year there were six child fatalities from the flu, this year there have been 21.

The Associated Press reported that nine children died in North Carolina alone during the Christmas week. Health officials are worried that the number of cases in that state and beyond may rise now that children have returned to school.

According to the CDC, one of the reasons the number of flu-related illnesses and deaths are up is that the vaccine is only about 30 percent effective against the new influenza strain. However, officials still urge people to get vaccinated for some protection and because the vaccine is effective against other flu viruses that could linger into the spring months.

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