The US based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared H3N2 flu as an epidemic.
There were seven pediatric flu deaths last week, bringing the total to 20 for the flu season that started October 1.
Key US states affected by flu include New York City as well as Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming.
The outbreaks of the flu have resulted in closure of schools in states including Alabama, Idaho, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
H3N2 more common than H1N1
More than H1N1, Influenza H3N2 has been the most common strain in this cycle, which is usually more severe than the former and leads to definite hospitalisation.
Preventive vaccination too is said to be of no use after a recent Australian study claimed that vaccine might be only 10 percent effective against this year's flu.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.