The flu “epidemic” rapidly spreading across the United States is reportedly the worst outbreak in in a decade. A total of 41 states have now reported cases of the flu, and the severe winter cold season is just beginning. According to recent flu statistics, a total of 18 children died from the flu this winter.

During an interview on Good Morning America, Dr. David Rosenberg, a pediatric pulmonologist had this to say about the increasing flu threat:

“It’s been an epidemic and there’ve been a lot of admissions from the flu, more than ever.”

The Centers for Disease Control report that during the week ending on December 29, there have been 2,961 positive influenza test results. Accu Weather also notes that 31.6 percent of patients tested for the flu actually had the ailment. The positive flu test figures reportedly indicate at 29.6 percent increase.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) separates the country into 10 geographical regions for flu outbreak review purposes. As of the last week of 2012 (the most recently available statistics) none of the 10 regions indicated elevated medical care requests for flu symptoms. Flu cases reportedly peak during the month of January.

The flu epidemic has affected Americans from coast to coast, according to Forbes. Why the 2013 flu season is reportedly shaping up to be both earlier and more severe than others is unknown. The predominate type of the flu virus known as H3N2 has reportedly caused more hospital stays and deaths.

Approximately 91 percent of the types of flu viruses circulating so far in 2013 are ones included in the currently available flu vaccine. The H1N1, or swine flu, virus is reportedly one of the most common circulating types of the ailment at the moment.

Flu ‘Epidemic’ Spreads To 41 States is a post from: The Inquisitr