Flu 'Epidemic' Declared By CDC: Did You Get Your Shot?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared this flu season an epidemic after 15 children died following complications from the virus.

Nine states saw the death of the 15 children, including the following: Arizona (one), Colorado (one), Florida (two), Minnesota (two), North Carolina (two), Nevada (one), Ohio (two), Texas (three) and Virginia (one). 

Those with compromised immune systems, the elderly and children are at increased risk for the flu. More specifically, those under the age of 5 or over the age of 65 are at the highest risk of more severe complications, with symptoms including but not limited to fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, chills, general fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea. 

Close to 90 percent of flu cases this year have been reported as the H3N2 subtype. H3N2, otherwise known as Influenza A, is normally circulated through pigs but can also infect people.

"In a typical year, the flu vaccine is effective at reducing illnesses caused by the flu by about 60 percent. It's not 100 percent, it's about 60 percent," said CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook, via CBS News. "In previous years when there's been a similar mismatch to what we're seeing this year, the effectiveness goes down to about 40 percent." 

Health officials expect the flu to spread more. However, even though this year's vaccine does not offer as much protection due to the evolved viral strain of H3N2, they are still encouraging everyone to get their shot.

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