CDC: Flu season has become an epidemic Date: 1/8/2015 SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – The Centers for Disease Control have officially deemed this flu season to have hit the epidemic threshold, meaning that it is maintaining a high level of spread throughout the nation.
This report included statistics showing that only four states (California, Hawaii, Alaska and Oregon) have a lower rate of spread than the region average. It also noted that 15 pediatric deaths have occurred nationwide.
That influenza has hit the epidemic threshold is not itself unexpected, every year it does so. However, it is generally in January or February, not in late December.
The CDC believes a major reason for this change is a combination of lack of vaccination by some individuals and what are called “drift strains” or variants of the flu virus that are slightly different from what was prepared for. Both of these factors emphasize the importance of early flu vaccination.
“Vaccinating yourself against influenza is the most important preventative measure you can take,” Melanie Kohr, vice-president of Clinic Operations for Passport Health said.
Kohr acknowledged that receiving a shot as soon as possible is best as the vaccine can take anywhere from two to four weeks to go into effect.
Multiple vaccines are currently on the market ensuring that almost anyone can receive a flu vaccine.
Be sure to consult with a care provider (doctor, nurse, or representative at an on-site clinic) about what specific vaccine would be best for each individual’s health situation.
For more information on flu vaccination and protection visit Passport Health’s flu focused website, FluFree.com.
For more information on influenza spread see Passport Health’s weekly Flu Report.
For more information on influenza, flu vaccines and flu safety visit FluFree.com or contact a Passport Health specialist at 844-FLU-FREE.
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