Ten more children have died from the flu bringing the total number to 63 as the flu outbreak continues to spread across the United States and is showing no signs of letting up. According to USA Today, at least 56,000 people could die from complications due to the flu this year.
Hospitals across the country are struggling to deal with the massive influx of patients suffering from the flu. The outbreak is widespread in 48 states. Oregon and Hawaii were the only two states not to be given the widespread classification by the CDC.
Atlanta pediatrician Dr. Jennifer Shu told CNN, "the severity of the flu that we're seeing, as well as just how many -- the sheer number of people that have it -- is crazy."
"The severity of the flu that we're seeing, as well as just how many -- the sheer number of people that have it -- is crazy. One of my friends, her son's class had just three kids in it, because everyone else was out sick. He's in high school. I'm hearing similar stories for all grades."
Doctors recommend people still get the flu shot despite the fact that it has only been about 30% effective against the H3N2 strain of the virus. Dr. Ilan Shapiro says he would "prefer to have that 30% to 40% better than 0%."
The flu season lasts an average of 16 weeks but could go on for at least 20.