CDC says flu epidemic waning but urges Americans to still get flu shot

Washington, DC, United States (4E) – The Center for Disease Control (CDC) said the flu epidemic is waning in recent weeks but advised every American to still get a flu shot in case it resurges.

The Niagara Region Public Health office is supporting advice as its associate medical officer of health, Dr. Jessica Hopkins, said that while Influenza A have peaked over the holiday season, Influenza B is still peaking between January and February. Flu season in the U.S. runs from October to May.

Hopkins added that some of those who have been vaccinated may still get infected because the vaccine is not 100 percent effective. She also advised washing one’s hands, coughing or sneezing into one’s sleeve, and staying at home if ill.

Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of the CDC, said Friday the disease is unpredictable during the flu season.

The flu season was the worst in the U.S. in years causing a public health emergency in New York on Saturday. Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order allowing pharmacists to administer flu vaccines to patients six months old to 18 years old.

In Boston, health officials diagnosed 700 people with the flu last week prompting the city to declare a public health emergency, too. Statewide, there were 18 deaths from flu complications.

In Indiana, 21 people died from flu, according to the state health department. Forensic epidemiologist Shawn Williams said there were more elder victims.

Flu is a highly contagious infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms include a sudden high fever, headache, chills, severe muscle aches and pain, sore throat, cough, runny nose and sneezing. For people with weak immune system, the disease could be fatal.

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