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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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New Strain May Mean Year-Round Flu Season: CDC

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(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.
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.
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.
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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TerrifiedCitizen
Jun 20, 09 5:20 PM CDT
Most governments are in favor of year around school and year around population control ; seems their year around poor behavior is making enemies of their subjects. Reply
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radnip
Jun 26, 09 4:45 AM CDT
Maybe finally we'll realize how nasty the flu really is. And maybe, we'll get healthcare that doesn't depend on whether someone is rich or not. In a rich country... Reply
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