Flu Widespread Early; Vaccine 62% Effective

Flu is widespread in 47 states, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said last week. That usually doesn’t happen until late January or February. The good news is that the flu vaccine is a good match for the viruses that are around this year. But protection is not perfect — about 62% on average so far, the CDC said January 11. A major type of virus circulating this year also tends to make people sicker than other types. As a result, hospitals from the Rocky Mountains to New England are crowded with flu cases. Boston declared a public health emergency last week. A hospital near Allentown, Pa., set up a tent outside its emergency room to handle the onslaught of cases. Health officials said the season seems severe because last year’s was so mild. But it’s too early to say whether this will turn out to be a bad year or just average.