Update on Friday, Feb. 23, 2016 at 11:46 p.m. EST
CDC has announced that the number of injured people in the flu outbreak is shrinking from 275 to 230, and it is also estimating that the total number of influenza-associated deaths nationally in the past week will be about 12,000. In addition, there were 37,000 new lab-confirmed flu cases.
Also in updated Friday, Feb. 23, 2016 at 11:56 p.m. EST
As long as the cold, snowy weather continues and staff struggles to get to affected offices and clinics, not much can be done. The number of flu-related deaths in the nation so far has reached 88, but that number could double, according to an estimate from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Check back later for the latest from the CDC.
Update on Friday, Feb. 23, 2015 at 10:47 p.m. EST
The number of hospitalized flu cases in this season has reached 80,000, which is the highest in the past 15 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC also reported that there are 983 people who have died from the flu so far.
Updated on Friday, Feb. 23, 2015 at 10:17 p.m. EST
As of Feb. 21, the flu epidemic has affected 28 states. In Pennsylvania, there were 14 flu-related deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The most serious strain, H3N2, is causing 75 percent of the cases in Philadelphia and New York City, the CDC said.
Another key factor is this year’s vaccine, which has only about 25 percent effectiveness, according to the CDC.
The nasal spray version of the vaccine seems to be less effective than the shot. So far, there have been 12 deaths among children who were vaccinated.
The CDC said that this flu season is already taking a toll on some companies. Johnson & Johnson reported it has lost about $300 million from selling its influenza vaccines so far this season.
Check back for more.
