Flu season

Flu season is an annually recurring time period characterized by the prevalence of outbreaks of influenza (flu). The season occurs during the cold half of the year in each hemisphere. Influenza activity can sometimes be predicted and even tracked geographically. While the beginning of major flu activity in each season varies by location, in any specific location these minor epidemics usually take about 3 weeks to peak and another 3 weeks to significantly diminish.

The 2012–13 flu season was particularly harsh in the United States, where the majority of states were reporting high rates of influenza-like illness. The Centers for Disease Control reported that the available flu vaccine was 60% effective. It further recommended that all persons over age 6 months get the vaccine.

Cause

Three virus families, Influenzavirus A, B, and C are the main infective agents that cause influenza. During periods of cooler temperature, influenza cases increase roughly tenfold or more. Despite higher incidence of manifestations of the flu during the season, the viruses are actually transmitted throughout populations all year round.

2013–14 flu season

The 2013–14 flu season is an instance of flu season, which is the time of year when people are most likely to contract influenza or any influenza-like illness.

Health organizations recommend that persons wishing to avoid the flu get vaccinated and practice hand washing, among other common responses to flu outbreaks.

Canada

The flu season is currently elevated in Canada according to the latest report from the Pan American Health Organization.

Europe

The ECDC is reporting currently high flu activity in Finland and Greece.

Mexico

Cases of flu in Mexico were increasing in February 2014 according to a report from the Pan-American Health Organization.

United States

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is reporting that the seasonal flu is above epidemic levels. The CDC further states there have been 61 pediatric deaths due to the flu so far in the 2013–14 flu season.

References

2012–13 flu season

The 2012-13 flu season is an instance of flu season, which is the time of year when people are most likely to contract influenza or any influenza-like illness.

Health organizations recommend that persons wishing to avoid the flu get vaccinated and practice hand washing, among other common responses to flu outbreaks.

Treatment and prevention

In response to the flu outbreak, various organizations issued recommendations for avoiding the flu.

China

European Union

United States

By the week ending December 29, 2012, the CDC reported that 29 U.S. states have high numbers of reports of flu. By January 13, nearly all U.S. states had experienced elevated influenza levels.