In the USA, the flu epidemic: 18 children have already died

Almost the entire territory of the United States was seized by a strong flu epidemic. As a result of the epidemic, which began this year earlier than usual, 18 children have already died.

Freezes of the disease were recorded in 41 stages, ITAR-TASS reports with reference to the Center for Control and Prevention of Diseases, located in Atlanta (Georgia). The mayor of Boston (Massachusetts), Thomas Menino, announced the "Emergency situation in the field of public health."

Doctors strongly recommend that everyone get the flu vaccinations. According to them, vaccination is necessary, first of all, to older people and children who are in a special risk group.

The authorities of some cities decided to provide the vaccine for free.

According to experts, this year the influenza epidemic in the United States promises to be very harsh. Hospitals report an excessive influx of patients, people have to sit in lines for a long time waiting for a reception. Many of them are sent to be treated home, as the reception chambers are crowded.

Every year, in the USA in the autumn-winter season, the flu is sick from 5 to 20 percent of the country's population. At the same time, about 200 thousand people go to hospitals, from 3 thousand to 49 thousand die. More than 35 percent of the US inhabitants annually make flu.