Death from pneumonia and influenza in the U.S. has reached an epidemic level, according to CDC data released last week. Pneumonia and influenza accounted for 6.9% of all deaths. Twenty- six pediatric deaths have been reported to date.

The CDC previously warned that this flu season is likely to be severe because the predominant virus in circulation, H3N2, is known for being particularly virulent, especially in children under five and adults over sixty-five; in addition, the circulating H3N2 strains are not well matched to the H3N2 strain included in this season’s flu vaccine. However, all flu samples tested thus far have been susceptible to the antiviral treatment options available like Tamiflu and Relenza. On December 19, 2014, the FDA approved a third antiviral, Rapivab, to treat influenza infection in adults.

For more information on the flu, click on this link, or copy and paste to your browser. CDC FluView