Los Angeles, January 17 (IANS). In the current flu season in America, so far about 18 million people have been affected by flu. Of these, about two lakh thirty thousand people had to be admitted to hospital and about 9,300 people have died. This information has been given by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to the CDC, seasonal flu is still prevalent across the country, although cases have declined or remained stable over the past two weeks. Influenza A (H3N2) has been found to be the most spreading virus in America this season.
There were 15 flu-related pediatric deaths recorded in the week ending January 10. With this, the total number of deaths of children this season has increased to 32. The CDC reported that about ninety percent of the children who died from flu this season were not fully vaccinated.
Flu season in the US usually falls in the autumn and winter. Its maximum effect is seen between December and February.
The CDC urges all people six months of age and older who have not yet received this season’s flu vaccine to get vaccinated as soon as possible. This information has been given by the news agency Xinhua News Agency.
Seasonal flu is a rapidly spreading respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. This disease is found in almost every part of the world. Most people recover without any special treatment. Flu spreads easily from one person to another through coughing or sneezing. The best way to prevent this is vaccination.
Common symptoms of flu include sudden fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and extreme tiredness. Treatment of flu is usually based on reducing symptoms. When suffering from flu, a person should rest and drink plenty of fluids. Most people recover on their own within a week. In severe cases or people already suffering from any disease, a doctor may be needed.
There are four types of influenza viruses – A, B, C and D. Of these, types A and B viruses cause seasonal flu that spreads every year.
Flu can make other chronic diseases more serious. In severe cases, it can also cause dangerous diseases like pneumonia and blood infection. People who have a pre-existing medical condition or whose symptoms are very severe should seek medical advice immediately.
H3N2 is a type of influenza A virus that causes seasonal flu. It spreads rapidly and causes symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat and body ache. Waves of H3N2 virus are often seen in India during monsoon and winter seasons.
–IANS
AS/