Flu cases highest in a decade

The United States is experiencing a resurgence in influenza, with the flu hospitalization rate at this early time in the season the highest in a decade, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The southeastern and south-central areas of the United States are reporting the highest levels of flu hospitalizations, followed by the Mid-Atlantic and south-central West Coast regions. The agency estimates thus far this season, there have been at least 1.6 million illnesses, 13,000 hospitalizations and 730 deaths from flu. The CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine each year.