Flu spreads across 40 states according to : CNN

People often mistake symptoms of stomach flu, gastroenteritis, for the seasonal flu virus, but the two are not related. "There is some overlap between the common cold and the flu, but the flu often starts with an abrupt onset of symptoms," Steinberg said. "While flu spreads every year, the timing, severity and length of the season varies from one year to another," Nordlund said. Typically, flu season in the United States begins in October and reaches its seasonal peak between December and March before slowing through spring. New Jersey, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, New York and South Carolina rank as the states with the highest levels of flu and flu-like illness activity.




Sweetwater City Schools closed today and tomorrow because of the #flu. Cleaning crews spent the day sanitizing Sweetwater City Schools. The flu is making its way around local schools prompting several districts across the state to close. READ MORE | Channel 3 School closings and delaysRhea County, Van Buren County and Sweetwater City Schools are out Monday and Tuesday because so many students and teachers were sick last week. If you have flu symptoms you should see a doctor within the first 48-hours if you want to take anti-viral medication.

Flu spreads across 40 states with some states hit especially hard

More about Seasonal flu, CDC, peak of flu season, 15 pediatric deaths, Vaccinations More news from Seasonal flu CDC peak of flu season 15 pediatric deaths Vaccinations "With the flu season that's going on right now, it is not too late for a vaccine," said Dr. James Steinberg, chief medical officer at Emory Healthcare. There have been over 12,000 flu cases reported across the country, with 51 out of 54 states and territories experiencing elevated levels of flu and flu-like activity. The latest report (PDF) issued by the CDC shows that the most prevalent subtype of flu being reported was influenza A (H3N2). The CDC and health care providers continue to emphasize the importance of getting the flu vaccine, pointing out that it is still not too late to be vaccinated to protect yourself and others.



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