CDC issues flu treatment advisory

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention yesterday recommended treating all hospitalized, severely ill and high-risk patients who have suspected or confirmed influenza with antiviral medications as soon as possible. H3N2 A viruses have been predominating since late February, and in past seasons have been associated with more hospitalizations and deaths in older adults and young children. As of last week, 20 states were reporting a high proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness.