Health Alert: Flu Season Kills 105 Kids

Many hadn't received vaccine

America's flu season is winding down, but has killed 105 children so far. All but four of the children who died were old enough to be vaccinated, but 90 percent of them did not receive the vaccine. The CDC recommends that all children ages 6 months and older be vaccinated against flu each season, though only about half get a flu shot or nasal spray. This year's vaccine was considered effective in children, though it didn't work very well in older people. The season started in early December, about a month earlier than usual, and peaked by the end of year. Since then, flu reports have been dropping off throughout the country. (AP)

[SUBSCRIBE TO LOOP 21 RSS FEED]

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)

[SUBSCRIBE TO LOOP 21 RSS FEED]

10 things to know for Wednesday

For decades, high school graduation rates have been quite dismal, but now, according according to a new paper from Harvard's Richard Murnane, they're rising. No one really knows why graduation rates are rising, but, according to The Washington Post, this "May be the welcome byproduct of a upturn in math and reading skills, as measured by test scores, among minorities in the years before the students reach ninth grade."

Thumbnails

Photo 1 of 10

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

News in Photos: The 10 topics you should be ready to talk about today.

CHECK OUT THESE OTHER GALLERIES

Movies We Can't Wait To See In 2013

10 Aww-inspiring Moments from President Obama's Life

Outrageous Snapshots From America's Gun Buy Back Programs

[SUBSCRIBE TO LOOP 21 RSS FEED]

CDC: Flu Season Has Not Peaked Yet

Despite spreading to nearly every state

Bad news, this horrid flu season we’re having right now may be here for a while. The Centers for Disease Control says that even with the flu spreading in 41 states, and 29 of them reporting abnormally high flu activity, the season hasn’t even reached its peak yet. The season is operating five weeks ahead of schedule and the CDC says this has been the worst season since 2004. (NBC News)

[SUBSCRIBE TO LOOP 21 RSS FEED]

Get Your Shots! CDC Warns Flu Season Could Be Bad

Suspected cases have jumped in five Southern states, agency says

Have you been putting off a trip to your local pharmacy or clinic for this season’s influenza shot? That’s really not a good idea, according to officials at Centers for Disease Control, who are warning the flu season may start early and could be especially bad. On Monday, CDC officials said suspected flu cases have jumped in five Southern states -- Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. They say the primary strain circulating is making people sicker than other types and is particularly hard on the elderly. The good news is that the U.S. seems to be well prepared for it, said CDC director Dr. Thomas Frieden. The vaccine formulated for this year is well-matched to the stains, the CDC has seen. (Associated Press)

[SUBSCRIBE TO LOOP 21 RSS FEED]