News Review From Harvard Medical School -- Flu Widespread Early;
Vaccine 62% Effective Flu is widespread in 47 states, the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said last week.
That usually doesn't happen until late January or February. The
good news is that the flu vaccine is a good match for the
viruses that are around this year. But protection is not perfect
-- about 62% on average so far, the CDC said January 11. A major
type of virus circulating this year also tends to make people
sicker than other types. As a result, hospitals from the Rocky
Mountains to New England are crowded with flu cases. Boston
declared a public health emergency last week. A hospital near
Allentown, Pa., set up a tent outside its emergency room to
handle the onslaught of cases. Health officials said the season
seems severe because last year's was so mild. But it's too early
to say whether this will turn out to be a bad year or just
average. There are also other viruses circulating that mimic flu
and outbreaks of a