CDC: Flu kills 13 more children, bringing season’s toll to 97 kids, but may be at its peak

February 23, 2018

The worst flu season in a decade is still not over, with 13 new children deaths reported after more than three months of unusually persistent misery across the U.S.

The numbers were “encouraging,” especially the data showing a decline in visits to the doctor’s office for anyone with flu-like symptoms, said CDC spokeswoman Kristin Nordlund. These visits made up 6.4% of trips to the doctor, down from 7.5% of visits the previous week.

“It looks like we may have reached the peak of flu season,” says Nordlund.

The decrease in child deaths from 22 the week before by itself was not necessarily a sign the severe flu season was abating, however, as each week’s total from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention includes deaths from earlier in the season.

Even though there was a decrease in the number of states reporting high levels of flu, more than half of the country is still reporting high levels of activity. There was also an increase in reports of the less deadly B strain.

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CDC: Flu kills 13 more children, bringing season’s toll to 97 kids, but may be at its peak

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