The severity of the influenza season seems to have peaked, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a statement saying that the high levels of influenza in the U.S. have reached "epidemic" status.

The flu season started earlier than normal this year, and it has forced many patients to the hospital, due to severe outbreaks. Coupled with the recent appearance of Ebola stateside, this year has proven to been a successful year for viral infections.

Nationwide, 36 states are experiencing high levels of flu activity. And this year's flu vaccine may not fully protect citizens against a particular strain of influenza, H3N2, which is more severe than other strains and circulating rapidly. Also, the mutation is associated with more hospitalizations and more deaths.

In 2013, four children age 18 and under died from the flu. And one year later, as of Dec. 20, 15 children have lost their lives to the virus, according to the CDC. The hospitalization rate of flu patients is 9.7 people per 100,000 people in the general population. Compare that to 4.3 people per 100,000 last year and 5.5 people per 100,000 in the 2012-13 flu season.

To combat this, hospitals have taken a number precautionary measures; restricting visitors and educating the public on infection diseases and how they're marking the public. Chills, fever, sore throats, muscle aches, headaches, nausea (more common in children) fatigue, coughing and runny noses are spreading. The presence of those indicators should be monitored. And beyond that, symptoms and the flu must be treated, but there have been distribution issues for pharmaceuticals, making it more difficult for some consumers to access antiviral drugs... and it's conceivable that it may be hardest to attain in low income neighborhoods.

CVS Caremark Corp. has indicated that their pharmacies may have a shortage of the liquid version of Tamiflu, due to high demands. However, they have also stated that they still offer the capsule alternative, which can be compounded into a liquid upon request.

Nearly 40 percent of Americans have been vaccinated, but even those who've received the vaccine could still be at risk of H3N2, particularly if they're under the age of two or over the age of 65. Also, those with chronic health conditions such as asthma are further at risk. That said, unvaccinated individuals are still encouraged to get vaccines, to protect them from other strains that could lead to outcomes such as hospitalization and death. Up to 20 percent of Americans get the flu each year, afflicting between 15 million to 60 million people annually.

Safety Tips

Protect yourself this season by downloading the Flu Near You app, to find out how the flu is affecting those in your area. Also, use the HealthMap Vaccine Finder if you need help finding places that offer flu vaccine in your area. Before you travel, see a doctor and know the health risks of the areas that you're visiting. Also, only travel when you feel well.

Additionally, avoid close contact with infectious individuals and cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Also, keep your hands away from your nose, mouth and eyes.

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