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CDC: 2017/2018 flu season strongest since 2009
Steel yourself for a strong cough/cold and flu season. Because before the ball even had a chance to drop in Times Square on Dec. 31, the 2017/2018 flu season is already being touted as the strongest on record since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. According to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday, 5.8% of patient visits reported through the U.S. Outpatient Influenza-like Illness Surveillance Network were due to influenza-like illness.
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Majority of seniors want LTC and nursing home staff inoculated against flu, poll finds
As flu season swings into high gear, a new poll suggests that nursing homes and other long-term care facilities should be doing more to get their staff and patients vaccinated before it's too late. Nearly three-quarters of people over age 50 surveyed in a new poll say that all staff in such facilities should definitely be required to get the flu vaccine. More than 60% also say that all patients in nursing homes and assisted living should definitely get vaccinated too.