America gripped by flu epidemic as virulent mutated strain that has already killed 15 children sweeps across 22 states

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America gripped by flu epidemic as virulent mutated strain that has already killed 15 children sweeps across 22 states

Mutated strain of H3N2 virus has hospitalized 2,500 people nationwide
Predominantly affects those over 65 and under 4 but also teenagers
Fifteen children have died since October 1 and four before Christmas Day
By JAMES NYE FOR MAILONLINE
Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk

The CDC has today declared a national flu epidemic as virulent mutated versions of this years H3N2 virus sweep the country.
Twenty-two states have reported a high number of flu cases, centered mainly around the Midwest and southeast of the country.
Since the start of the flu season on October 1 and December 20, CDC figures show that 15 children have died from the virus and four in the week before Christmas.
Six children in Tennessee have died this year from the flu according to the state’s Department of Health and so far East Tennessee Children’s hospital has seen 442 children with flu this month.
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Epidemic: The number of states reporting high instances of flu across the country now stands at 22

Epidemic: The number of states reporting high instances of flu across the country now stands at 22
Those particularly at risk are those over 65 and younger than four and across the nation 2,500 people have been hospitalized because of the growing crisis, which is worsening.
According to the CDC, data from 122 US cities shows deaths from influenza and pneumonia exceeded the national baseline and is at the epdidemic threshold of 6.8 percent.
The new data also reflects the fact that the number of states reporting high flu activity has risen from 13 to 22.
The reason for the national explosion in flu numbers is this years H3N2 virus has mutated and reduced the effectiveness of the vaccine which was pre-prepared.
About 90 percent of flu cases so far this year have been the virulent H3N2 subtype, the CDC reported.
Another state hit hard has been Minnesota, where health officials have made it clear to parents that this year’s flu strain is particularly strong.
Worringly, the flu has proved fatal to children with no apparent underlying health problems and statistics from the Minnesota Department of Health have revealed that in some parts of the state up to 50 percent of students have been absent in December battling the illness.

Spread: This map reveals the sweep of flu across the United States with almost the entire country reporting widespread flu

Indeed, 17-year-old Shannon Zwanziger, a senior at Owatonna High School died at the Mayo Clinic in early December from the flu.
Initially falling ill with a fever and sore throat, Shannon deteriorated at home and her heart stopped beating while she was in her mother’s arms after being sick for one week.

Despite the paramedics and best efforts, she passed away.
Indeed, earlier in December the CDC admitted that the vaccine does not protect well against the dominant strain, H3N2, seen most commonly so far this year.
That strain tends to cause more deaths and hospitalizations, especially in the elderly.
‘Though we cannot predict what will happen the rest of this flu season, it’s possible we may have a season that’s more severe than most,’ said Dr. Tom Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at a news conferenceat the start of the month.
CDC officials think the vaccine should provide some protection and still are urging people to get vaccinated. But it probably won’t be as good as if the vaccine strain was a match.
Flu vaccine effectiveness tends to vary from year to year. Last winter, flu vaccine was 50 to 55 percent effective overall, which experts consider relatively good.
Among infectious diseases, flu is considered one of the nation’s leading killers. On average, about 24,000 Americans die each flu season, according to the CDC.
Nearly 150 million doses of flu vaccine have been distributed for this winter’s flu season…..more here

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America gripped by flu epidemic as virulent mutated strain that has already killed 15 children sweeps across 22 states