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CDC: Preventing Regular Flu Should Be Focus Now
Center's Director Says Bird Flu Isn't The Problem
POSTED: 7:05 am PST November 2,
2005
WASHINGTON -- Although President George W. Bush is emphasizing there is no pandemic flu virus in the world right now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there is something you can do to keep yourself safe against what is here now.The center's director, Dr. Julie Gerberding, said step one in defense is getting a seasonal flu shot. It's not a defense against avian bird flu, but it is life-saving for many people.Gerberding said bird flu is not the problem right now. She said people need protection against the regular seasonal flu that circulates. And she said there's a good supply of vaccine, so shortages won't be an issue this winter.Every year in the United States, 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and about 36,000 people die from flu, according to the CDC.
Previous Stories:
- November 1, 2005: Boosting Vaccine Development Tops Bush's Flu Plan
- November 1, 2005: Kids With Chronic Illnesses At Risk For Flu Complications
- October 28, 2005: FBI: Exxon-Mobil Employees Got Fake Flu Shots
- September 30, 2005: Study: Preschoolers Get Flu First
- September 22, 2005: Research: Flu Shots Not As Effective In Elderly As Thought
- September 15, 2005: After Last Year's Snafu, Doctors Brace For Flu Season
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