The 2017–2018 influenza season doesn’t just seem long, thanks to the high volume of cases—and deaths—this year; it’s actually going to last longer than usual, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, the CDC says flu season hasn’t even peaked yet; flu activity continues to be widespread in every state except Hawaii and has remained unchanged for 3 weeks—and indicator that the natural wane is still ahead of us. Nearly 12,000 patients have been hospitalized since October 1, and the death toll among children has risen to 37 (up from 30 just a week ago). As a result, the CDC continues to recommend that most people who haven’t been vaccinated should still get a flu shot, and that healthcare providers keep educating patients about additional measures to avoid getting or spreading the flu (eg, staying home from work/school if they’re sick, maintaining good hand hygiene).
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Prepare Yourself and Your Staff: CDC Extends Projected Flu Season