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New Strain May Mean Year-Round Flu Season: CDC

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 19, 2009 11:47 AM CDT

(Newser) – The US could experience an extended or even year-round flu season thanks to H1N1, the Centers for Disease Control said yesterday. Researchers theorize that a combination of unprepared immune systems and the unusually cool spring could be contributing to the steady stream of flu infections. “The fact that we are seeing ongoing transmission now indicates that we are seeing something different,” said one CDC doctor.

The so-called “swine flu” is now an official pandemic, though its symptoms are generally mild. The US has been the hardest-hit country, with more than 100,000 suspected cases, 44 deaths, and 1,600 hospitalizations. The CDC is predicting strong influenza activity throughout the summer, with some H1N1 activity continuing into the fall and winter.

Researchers work with a sample of H1N1 flu virus at a lab in Wuhan, central China's Hubei province, Wednesday, June 17, 2009. (AP Photo)

Youths wear masks as a precaution against swine flu, as they wait for medical attention outside a hospital's emergency room in Buenos Aires, Thursday, June 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

A mother and son wearing masks as a precaution against swine flu, share a moment, while they wait for medical attention outside a hospital's emergency room in Buenos Aires, Thursday, June 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

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56 Dead as Swine Flu Resurfaces in Egypt

Officials had taken measures to stop spread

WHO Exaggerated Swine Flu Pandemic: EU Reports

Watchdogs accuse WHO of colluding with drugmakers

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Please, stop falling for that Nigerian scam

US May Toss 75M Doses of Swine Flu Vaccine

Unused shots are near expiration date

Swine Flu Killed 17K Americans: CDC

Total lower than usual, but victims skew younger

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention • outbreak • flu • pandemic • swine flu • H1N1 virus

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

56 Dead as Swine Flu Resurfaces in Egypt

Officials had taken measures to stop spread

WHO Exaggerated Swine Flu Pandemic: EU Reports

Watchdogs accuse WHO of colluding with drugmakers

Snopes Founders: People Are Suckers

Please, stop falling for that Nigerian scam

US May Toss 75M Doses of Swine Flu Vaccine

Unused shots are near expiration date

Swine Flu Killed 17K Americans: CDC

Total lower than usual, but victims skew younger

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Newser By Users

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