OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 7:44 AM PT — Monday, December 9, 2019
Roughly 900 flu-related deaths have been reported as this flu season becomes one of the earliest to kick off in 15 years. That’s according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), who estimated more than 1.7 million people have been infected so far with at least 12 states reporting an increase in hospital visits.
The south has been hit the hardest. Louisiana, known to have flu season from December through February, saw nearly 5 percent of all hospital visits in the state to be flu-related starting in October.
“The prediction of the flu season is always difficult, what is interesting is that we are seeing more B strains of flu in Louisiana,” said Fred Lopez, M.D. – LSU Health Infections Diseases.
Health officials say they are seeing Influenza B in most parts of the country now, which usually appears around March or April. The B strain typically is not very dangerous to elders, who are most vulnerable during flu season. However, this strain can be hard on adults and children under 50.
The Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing to discuss the state of the flu in America and what measures should be taken to protect citizens.
“While we examine how to improve the response to seasonal flu, we know the best way to prevent getting the seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each season,” stated Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.). “If you have not already gotten your flu vaccine this season, please go get your flu vaccine today.”
An early flu season does not necessarily mean a bad season, but officials say it is still too early to tell.
https://www.oann.com/health-alert-u-s-flu-season-starts-early/