The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the South is beginning to see a drop in flu infections, but we're not out of the woods yet. The agency says 29 children have died from complications of the flu.
Every Friday, CDC director Dr. Tom Frieden has been updating reporters on flu season. This year, he says, we're seeing a "worse than usual" that has been "really bad" for the elderly. But there are signs the flu outbreak may have peaked a month early in Georgia.
If you still need a flu shot -- and the CDC says everyone 6 months and older does --even this late in the game, health officials you can find a provider on flu.gov's flu vaccine locator.
FOX 5 news intern Jemeisha Lyde, who still hasn't gotten her flu shot, found the process easy. She found 50 locations within 10 miles of her location.
Finding the antiviral Tamiflu, if you do get sick, may be a little more challenging.
After reports some pharmacies are running out of the drug, which can ease the severity of flu symptoms, the FDA authorized the manufacturer, Genentech, to release 2 million additional doses from its stockpile.
The FDA says the medication comes in older packaging, but is not out-of-date.
The CDC says this flu season has been especially tough on seniors, 65 and older, whose weakened immune system leaves them at higher risk of severe complications, like pneumonia.
This year's vaccine is 62 percent effective -- far from perfect.
But health officials say its still your best shot at avoiding the misery making the rounds.
The CDC announced that vaccine manufacturers have been able to produce an extra 10 million doses of flu vaccine.
Government health officials are investigating several health problems reported with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.
Health officials are investigating cases involving patients who suffered complications after being injected with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:27 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:27:37 GMT
Summer in Georgia means mosquitoes—and lots of them. Even if you're just stepping outdoors for a few minutes, you need to protect yourself. But how do you pick the right bug repellent?
Summer in Georgia means mosquitoes—and lots of them. Even if you're just stepping outdoors for a few minutes, you need to protect yourself. But how do you pick the right bug repellent?
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:20 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:20:11 GMT
Memorial Day weekend – the unofficial start of summer – is just days away. Thousands of Georgians are planning to fly somewhere, which is great, unless flying panics you.
Memorial Day weekend – the unofficial start of summer – is just days away. Thousands of Georgians are planning to fly somewhere, which is great, unless flying panics you.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:51 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:51:47 GMT
Chances are your child or someone in your child's class has at least one food allergy.
Chances are your child or someone in your child's class has at least one food allergy. A study by the CDC released last week shows that one in every 20 kids is dealing with food allergies. It's a challenge, but doctors say it's important that kids get diagnosed and treated.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:17 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:17:24 GMT
When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight. In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician.
When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight. In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician. So, how much does your doctor really need to know?
Monday, May 20 2013 6:03 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:03:26 GMT
Sutton Burnett's blog began as a way to share her story with friends and family. It's grown into something much deeper.
Drop in on your friend's Facebook pages and blogs and you'll probably see a lot of photos of their kids. Sutton Burnett's blog began as a way to share her story with friends and family. It's grown into something much deeper.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:28 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:28:40 GMT
Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. A veteran dermatologist says he used to see three to five melanomas a year. Now, he says, he sees that many in a week!
Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. A veteran dermatologist says he used to see three to five melanomas a year. Now, he says, he sees that many in a week!
Thursday, May 16 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-17 03:00:47 GMT
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows millions of American kids suffer from mental health problems. Experts believe as many as 20 percent of American children are affected.
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows millions of American kids suffer from mental health problems. Experts believe as many as 20 percent of American children are affected.
