AP Medical Writer NEW YORK (AP) - Health officials say flu is
more widespread across the nation, but the number of hard-hit
states has declined. Flu season started early this winter, and
includes a strain that tends to make people sicker. The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday said flu was
widespread in 47 states last week, up from 41 the week before.
But many cases may be mild. The only states without widespread
flu are California, Mississippi and Hawaii. The hardest hit
states dropped to 24 from 29. So far, 20 children have died from
the flu. There is no running tally of adult deaths, but the CDC
estimates that the flu kills about 24,000 people in an average
year. Experts say it's too early to say if this is a bad year.