Flu Season Epidemic: 30 States Affected, Nearly 2,000 Reported Dead

The flu is on the rise this season as nearly every state has reported higher rates of diagnoses, while 30 states, in particular, have been deemed to have “widespread” flu activity by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to CDC estimates, there have been over 3.7 million reported cases in the U.S. so far, with 32,000 people being hospitalized and roughly 1,900 dying from the virus.

The most prolific strain has been one known as “B/Victoria,” which according to the CDC tends not to appear until the end of flu season and more commonly afflicts children and young adults. Infection by B/Victoria is possible in all age groups, however.

So far, the list of states with widespread flu rates includes the following: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington. Puerto Rico is also reported to be seeing widespread flu rates.

“It’s not too late to get vaccinated,” the CDC’s recent update said. “Flu vaccination is always the best way to prevent flu and its potentially serious complications.”

The CDC also advises the public that antiviral medicines can be a helpful addition to vaccination in preventing the spread of flu. Over 99% of the strains researched by the Center this season were found to be susceptible to “the four FDA-approved influenza antiviral medications recommended for use in the U.S. this season.” The trade names for these four medications are Tamiflu, Relenza, Rapivab and Xofluza.