Flu Season Peaks But Flu Deaths Still On Rise

Doctors say this season is particularly bad for the elderly.

Although the flu season appears to have peaked, weekly-recorded deaths from flu and pneumonia are still on the rise. The increase is well above the “epidemic” curve for the first time; how severe a season proves to be depends on how long high weekly death rates persist. Spot shortages of flu vaccine and flu-fighting medicine are occurring because of uneven distribution. Federal officials are urging people to consult flu.gov and doctors to check preventinfluenza.org for suppliers. Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, the nation’s top federal disease-control official, said the season resembles the “moderately severe” season of 2003-2004. In such seasons, he says 90 percent of all deaths occur among those over 65. (NY Times)

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