Flu Season Winding Down

ATLANTA (AP) - Federal health officials say the flu season is
winding down, and it's turning out to be one of the mildest in
years.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says one
possible explanation is that the flu vaccine generally was
well-matched to flu viruses this year.
The CDC compares flu seasons by looking at adult deaths from the
flu or pneumonia in 122 cities, and at reports of flu-related
deaths in children. Both were down significantly this year compared
with the 2007-2008 season.
The flu causes an estimated 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000
deaths annually. The elderly, young children and people with
chronic illnesses are at greatest risk. Health officials say
vaccination is the best protection.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)