AMA urges Americans to take precautions to prevent flu spread

Statement attributable to:
David O. Barbe, M.D.
President, American Medical Association

“We know from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) latest update today that this flu season is shaping up to be the most severe we’ve seen in the United States in several years — with widespread flu activity across most of the country and increases in both hospitalizations and flu-associated deaths. And, being on the front lines, my physician colleagues and I continue to see first-hand an increase in patients coming into our offices, clinics, hospitals and emergency departments with flu-like symptoms. That’s why we, as the nation’s physicians, are joining the CDC in urging all Americans to take the proper precautions to not only keep from becoming ill with the flu, but also prevent further spread of the illness to loved ones, neighbors, co-workers and others in close contact.