Flu Widespread Across Half Of U.S.; Experts Urge Vaccination
NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) - Flu season is in full effect and experts advise it's not too late to get vaccinated if you haven't yet.
As WCBS 880's Sean Adams reported, the number of cases in New York more than doubled last week.
Flu cases started to spike right around Christmas. Now, the New York State Department of Health says the flu is widespread.
New York City officials have warned that not enough young people are being vaccinated.
The flu has already killed six children across the nation. Texas is in the midst of a deadly outbreak, with 19 dead there.
Connecticut health officials also say the flu is widespread, with more than 680 confirmed cases and two deaths this season.
In the Lower Hudson Valley, Rockland County will offer shots Jan. 10 and Jan. 17 at its health center.
In Westchester County, free vaccines will be available on Jan. 14 at the Nepperhan Community Center in Yonkers.
This year's flu shot protects against three strains including H1N1, which has been prevalent.
Health officials say last year's flu season was one of the most severe ever recorded with 57 deaths, more than 2,200 hospitalizations and 11,500 confirmed cases.
The latest report by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the flu is now widespread in 25 states.
Officials said if you haven't yet, there's still time to get vaccinated since influenza can circulate well into the spring.
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