Widespread Flu Reported in More Than Two Dozen States

Cases of influenza are peaking in many states and proving to be deadly. Jennifer Davis reports.

Published

about 1 month ago

Categories

US, Health

Topics

United States, Disease & Health Conditions

People

Jennifer Davis, HOWARD GAMBLE

Places

Texas, Illinois

Transcript

The Centers for Disease Control is reporting widespread flu activity in 25 states. (SOUNDBITE) UNIDENTIFIED PATIENT SAYING: "What has this been like. It's been like hell." So far at least 19 have died in Texas and seven are dead across Illinois. This year's flu strain is an aggressive one - affecting not just the elderly and young, but also middle aged and healthy. (SOUNDBITE) HOWARD GAMBLE, WV HEALTH DEPT. ADMINISTRATOR "Influenza can take hold quicker, it can affect larger groups, larger populations, it's easier spread. You don't have to be in a certain country to contract it, contact it. You can be just hanging out at an business. And because of its relatively ease to contract it, it's a little more scary, and how quick it can take hold of healthy people." Experts say - your best protection is to make sure you and your children have been vaccinated and stay home if you experience symptoms so you don't spread it to others. Flu season is expected to worsen as we near February.