Flu Spreading In NH, 1 Death Reported

The flu is now widespread across the country, and already has caused the deaths of 22 children nationwide, according to the latest statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But New Hampshire health authorities report only "moderate" flu activity in the state, with one death recorded so far in the 2018-2019 flu season.

The most recent report from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, which includes data for the week ending Jan. 12, said state labs confirmed 29 new cases and that another 138 cases were confirmed at 15 clinic-based labs around the state. That brings to 769 the total number of cases confirmed so far this season by both sources.

The flu was worst in Strafford and Belknap counties, the report said, and least virulent in Grafton County. The single death reported was that of a Cheshire County adult, but no other details were given.

The CDC said in a statement earlier this month that while it's not possible to predict how severe the current season will be, severity indicators are lower than they were at the same point during the 2017-18 flu season.

FDA Director Scott Gottlieb has said that the H1N1 of swine flu strain tends to peak late in the season, but that the current vaccine is 60 percent effective or more against it.
The flu can cause serious illness, hospitalization and death. The groups most at risk are older adults, very young children, pregnant women and those with certain chronic medical conditions, according to the CDC.
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You can use the CDC's flu vaccine finder to locate a pharmacy or clinic near you that provides the vaccine:

According to the CDC, symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills (Though not everyone with flu will have a fever)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

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