Doctor’s visits due to the flu have reached the highest level in the last few decades, that is, since 1997.
The CDC estimates that as of December 27, there have been at least 11 million cases of the flu, more than 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths.
At the same time, 8.2 percent of all outpatient examinations in the country were related to flu-like illnesses, which is the highest level recorded since 1997.
Experts point out that this year, a new subtype of influenza A H3N2 virus is spreading rapidly, which causes more severe forms of the disease, especially in the elderly, and is harder for the immune system to recognize.
Fewer people got the flu shot this year, and the CDC estimates that about 130 million doses of the vaccine were received.
On Monday, the CDC also announced changes to the recommended vaccination schedule for children, including advice that children who are not at risk can make vaccination decisions with their doctor.
(Vijesti.ba)
