Connecticut among states hit hard by deadly flu outbreak
NORWALK, Connecticut (WABC) -- The flu season is in full swing and this year is proving to be especially dangerous and deadly.
At least 46 states are seeing widespread flu activity, and there have been five deaths so far in Connecticut.
Staffers at Norwalk Community Health Center know full well the flu outbreak has hit Connecticut hard. The number of cases has spiked over the last two weeks.
"Once we started seeing the first cases which was a couple of weeks ago, every single day after we see five, ten cases," said nurse practictioner Jill Goldberg.
The Department of Health says there have been 713 cases through late December. Nearly half of those resulted in patients being hospitalized and five people have died.
The victims were all over the age of 65. Influenza is especially dangerous to the elderly, the very young and those with health issues.
"Especially for patients who have chronic illness like asthma or heart disease. They really should take the flu shot," said Goldberg.
The flu vaccine remains the best defense against getting sick. Even if this year's version is only 10 to 30 percent effective, the message is simple.
"Please take that opportunity to get the flu shot because the season started early and it's a very strong flu. Protect yourself," said Goldberg.
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