Study finds that seasonal flu kills as many as 600,000 people globally

According to new information published by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as 646,000 worldwide are dying from seasonal influenza, or seasonal flu.

These numbers were a significant rise compared to the previous number of as many as 500,000 people worldwide.

"Flu prevention should really be a global priority"

The CDC's prior estimate ranged from 250,000 to 500,000 deaths. However, the current numbers show anywhere from 291,000 and 646,000 deaths globally as a result of seasonal flu.

However, the CDC hasn't provided any reason for the sudden rise in the number of cases.

Dr Joe Bresee, associate director for global health at the CDC’s Influenza Division and a co-author of the study shares, "These findings remind us of the seriousness of flu and that flu prevention should really be a global priority."

Additionally, most flu-related deaths came from poor regions of the world and among older adults. Majority of deaths came from those living in sub-Saharan Africa while Eastern Mediterranean and Southeast Asian countries had lower but still high rates of flu-related deaths.

Keeping your kids safe from flu is very important

For moms and dads, keeping their kids safe from flu should always be a top priority, especially during the flu season.

Here are some important tips:

1. Frequent hand washing can help prevent infection, so make it a point to practice it in your family.
2. Having a healthy diet can help strengthen your child's immune system and protect them from getting sick.
3. Make sure your kids get enough vitamin C that can help strengthen their immune system.
4. Make sure your kids get enough sleep since sleep deprivation can weaken a person's immune system.
5. Getting the yearly flu vaccine helps a lot when it comes to protecting your child from the flu.

Source: reuters.com

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