NEW YORK -- The governor of New York State, Andrew
Cuomo, has declared a public health emergency because of the severity of this
year's influenza season.
The order makes vaccinations more
accessible and allows pharmacists to administer vaccines to children.
Almost 20,000 cases of flu have been
reported in New York state so far this season - more than four times the number
of cases last winter.
The flu outbreak has reached epidemic
proportions across the US.
Last week 7.3% of US deaths were caused by
pneumonia and the flu, just above epidemic threshold, said the US Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention.
Flu activity was widespread in 47 states,
up from 41 the week before.
Experts recommend flu vaccines, which have
been found to be 62% effective.
The 2012-13 flu season is said to have
started earlier than usual, with many cases of the H3N2 strain, which can be
severe.
Some analysts say the latest numbers
suggest the worst of the season may have passed.
The only states without widespread flu were
California, Hawaii and Mississippi.
Flu symptoms can include fever, cough,
runny nose, body ache and fatigue.
Severe cases could see vomiting and
diarrhoea or develop into pneumonia. Many cases are much milder.
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