LOS ANGELES, March 3 (Xinhua) — Seasonal flu has so far claimed at least 26 million illnesses in the United States, with 290,000 hospitalizations and 18,000 deaths, according to the latest estimates released Friday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Disease Prevention (CDC).
A total of 117 childhood flu deaths have been reported, he said.
The number and weekly rate of influenza-related hospitalizations continued to decline in the country. About 1,500 people were hospitalized with the flu in the week ending Feb. 25, according to CDC data.
This recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older be vaccinated once morest influenza once a year for as long as influenza activity continues.
There are also prescription flu antivirals that can be used to treat the flu and should be taken as soon as possible, the CDC says. END
