Flu virus threat brings warning

BALTIMORE SUN
State and federal health officials warn that this year's flu could pack a powerful punch.
Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recently issued a statement saying, "First, it's early in the season and flu viruses are circulating at a higher level than usual at this time, and second, the group of influenza viruses circulating this year has in previous years caused a lot of people to become ill and to develop complications."
As a result, the government is urging all citizens to get flu shots, not just those at higher risk (the elderly, health care workers and those with weakened immune systems).
Developing immunity
It takes about two weeks after receiving the shot to develop maximum flu protection. Unlike in the past, the vaccine is in plentiful supply this year. Vaccines generally cost between $15 and $20. Call your doctor or county health department for more information.
State health officials say the flu season here typically peaks in January, though this year outbreaks in the mid-Atlantic region and elsewhere have come earlier -- and hit harder -- than expected.
Not 100 percent
Although flu vaccines offer protection, none is 100 percent effective, said University of Maryland flu authority Dr. James King
Nationally, the flu causes more than 114,000 people to be hospitalized each year, and about 36,000 patients, mainly the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, die from the illness.