BLOOMBERG: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC) said today that while visits to US doctors for swine flu have declined for a fourth straight week in 11 states, it would come as no surprise to see an increase in activity before year end or early 2010, when schools are back in session.
Physician visits related to flu fell “sharply” in the week ended Nov. 21, extending a decline that followed a four- week increase, the Atlanta-based agency said on its Web site today. Thirty-two states reported widespread influenza activity, down from 43 the week before.
Hospitalizations, deaths and doctor visits are still higher than expected at this time of year, the CDC said. Thirty-five flu-related deaths in children under age 18 were reported during the week, bringing the total to 234 since April of this year.
