The previous high for a regular flu season, based on analyses dating back more than three decades, was 56,000 deaths. Last winter’s flu season was so devastating for several reasons. Flu vaccine, while far from perfect, reduces illness and serious complications, such as hospitalizations and admission to intensive-care units. It’s still unclear what this coming flu season will be like. Ahead of the brunt of this winter’s flu season, the Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved the first new type of flu drug in two decades.

Source: Washington Post October 25, 2018 16:57 UTC