Tucson News NowCDC says flu season is off to a late start

CDC says flu season is off to a late start

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By David Gonzalez - bio | email

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - U.S. health officials say it has been a mild winter for flu cases but a recent spike in cases may signal a late start to the flu season.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the flu season is off to its slowest start in almost 25 years.

The flu season usually gets underway in December or January and is half-way over by mid-February but CDC officials say there were not enough flu cases to signal the start of the season.

Both California and Missouri have seen a rise in flu cases and flu-like illnesses.

Officials do not know why there was a delay but it could be because of many different factors.

The CDC urges anyone 6 months or older to get vaccinated each year.

They say the flu vaccine is the single best way to prevent the flu.

Common flu symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Cough,
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue (very tired)
  • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

USA Today contributed to this article.

Copyright 2012 Tucson News Now. All rights reserved.

 

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