Plagues,
Pestilences and Diseases
Flu widespread in half of U.S.
Half of the states have widespread flu activity, reports the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
From January 16 to 22, flu activity increased and three
flu-related deaths were reported in children, according to the
CDC. During this flu season, which started in October, there have
been 13 confirmed pediatric deaths.
The highest levels of flu-like activities were reported in the
South and Southeast, including Alabama, Louisiana, Virginia and
North Carolina.
To keep up the awareness about personal responsibility of
preventing flu spread, the National Foundation for Infectious
Diseases has launched a public education campaign reminding
Americans to cover their sneezes and to practice good hygiene.
According to a recent national poll, cited by the foundation, 68%
of Americans did not realize that flu viruses can travel five to
six feet from a sneeze or a cough, and 66% admitted they went
about daily activities despite experiencing flu symptoms.