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Flu outbreak labeled classic epidemic; 41 states affected

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    Jonathan Serrie reports from Atlanta

  • Duration 3:11
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-- -- -- yes this is the story this flu is spreading across much of the country.

41 states have reported high numbers of infections look at that map spread all over the place and in -- Massachusetts is -- to hardest hit areas.

Eighteen people -- died from the flu -- -- one of the nation's largest cities has declared a public health.

Emergency it's a big deal also the big concern to the flu season just starting in the vaccine supplies to be already.

Running low Jonathan -- is live in Atlanta that's where the CDC is headquartered is it also calling this an epidemic Jonathan.

That the CDC actually is staying away from the term epidemic while flu activity remains high in most states and may have reached epidemic proportions in some areas in other areas CDC officials tell us that.

There appears to be some sort of ebb and flow and it flew actually may be showing signs.

Of diminishing in some regions such as portions of the south so they are not calling this.

A national epidemic they say that this ebb and flow is typical of flu seasons and they're going to update us on the numbers around.

10 o'clock this morning.

So they are still urging people to go out.

And get vaccinated because flu may continue to be with us for the weeks ahead even in these areas where the flu appears to be.

Easing up somewhat they they say that especially children the elderly and people with underlying health conditions should get vaccinated -- will.

About what the vaccinations as it prompted an uptick in that those flu vaccinations.

Yes all the media coverage and also just anecdotal stories that you may have heard from family and friends about how bad this year's flu is has prompted a lot of people.

To go out to their doctors and drug stores that has created some reports.

Of spotty temporary shortage is so public health officials say that you should call ahead and make sure that your.

Health provider is stocked with flu vaccine if they're temporarily out.

Call another provider because they likely are well stocked we checked in with the nurse set -- local CBS minute clinic who says she's seen.

An increase in patients over the past couple weeks listen.

We're definitely seeing across the nation and all of our minute clinics and -- line.

People seeking out the flu vaccine those are sick coming in to be seen as well so we're doing our best to meet the demands of the population here and in the states.

And the question everyone wants to know how effective is this year's vaccine public health officials have said all along that it's a good match for the major.

Viruses in circulation.

-- the CDC is still crunching the numbers but based on the preliminary evidence they're expected to announce later this morning that the vaccine effectiveness is somewhere.

In the area of 60%.

In other words if you've got this year's flu shot.

You -- 60% less likely to get the flu this year this is pretty typical.

Of a typical vaccine for a typical flu season.

Far from perfect but public health officials say vaccination is still.

The most effective way to reduce your cancer.

Not -- differently as you point out yeah we'll look forward to update coming within the hour Jonathan Serrie.

In Atlanta leading our coverage there mark was it.

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