Flu season started earlier this year than has been seen in the
U.S. in nearly 10 years, including in New Mexico. The number of
people being seen by healthcare providers in New Mexico for
influenza-like illness has increased over the past two weeks.
Testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is
showing that this season's influenza vaccine is a good match to
the influenza viruses that people throughout the U.S. have had
so far. The main type of influenza that has been seen (H3N2) is
a type that typically is more severe than other types. Higher
numbers of hospitalizations and deaths have been seen during
past H3N2 seasons. "Even though flu season has arrived, it is
not too late to get vaccinated," said Department of Health State
Epidemiologist Michael Landen, M.D., MPH. It is especially
important for adults over 65 years of age, children 6 months
through 4 years of age, pregnant women, and everyone with
certain underlying health conditions to get vaccinated as soon
as possible." Healthcare provide