As cool weather continues across much of the country, dozens of states are reporting widespread cases of the seasonal flu virus – something the Centers for Diseases Control is now saying has reached epidemic levels.
According to the last numbers released from the week ending January 21st, 37 states including Florida are reporting such widespread cases of the virus – while 12 more are reporting regional cases of flu among residents.
#Flu activity continues to increase; 37 states are reporting widespread activity! It’s not too late to #getfluvax! pic.twitter.com/RH0BCclhD5 — Dr. Nancy Messonnier (@DrNancyM_CDC) January 27, 2017
At least three children have died from the virus during the most recent outbreak, while there have been an average of over 15 hospitalizations per 100,000 people in the United States for the virus.
Officials from the Florida Department of Health says the virus remains at an elevated level with peak activity expected in the next few weeks. Miami-Dade and Broward counties are classified as mild activity areas while Palm Beach County has moderate activity through the latest numbers released.
Influenza spreads across the country from November through March and can include symptoms such as fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, fatigue and more. The CDC continues to encourage people from the ages of six months old and up to get vaccinated for the flu.
