Flu season is peaking in these 13 states, data shows
FILE-A pharmacist administers a free flu shot vaccine to a customer at a CVS Health Corp. Pharmacy. (Marco Bello/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that the flu cases are spiking in multiple states.
The agency’s latest figures are from an influenza report for Week 7 ending on Feb. 15 and color-coded map which details the activity level of states ranging from "minimal to very high."
Where is the flu surging in the U.S.?
Local perspective:
Thirteen states have "very high" flu activity and these are Washington, Oregon, Nebraska, Kansas, Michigan, Ohio, South Carolina, Maine, New York, Indiana, Wisconsin, Louisiana, and Virginia, according to the CDC.
Other states with high to very high activity include Arizona, Tennessee, Arkansas, New Mexico, Colorado, North Carolina, Iowa, Kentucky, and Maryland.
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North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada had "moderate" flu activity, while Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands had low flu activity.
By the numbers:
According to the Associated Press, the CDC estimates there have been at least 24 million flu illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths — including at least 57 children. Traditionally, flu season peaks around February. The flu was most intense in the South, Southwest, and western states.
What are symptoms of the flu?
The flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. According to the CDC, people who have flu often feel some or all these signs and symptoms that include, fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle or body aches.
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How to protect yourself from the flu and other illnesses
Big picture view:
Doctors tell the AP that the best ways to protect yourself from flu are getting an annual flu shot, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth because germs can spread that way. You should also wash your hands with soap and water, clean frequently touched surfaces and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by the Centers for Disease Control and the Associated Press, which received comments from doctors on ways to protect yourself from the flu and other illnesses. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.