It’s flu season, once again, this time it’s earlier and more dangerous than it has been in the past. The death toll following an outbreak is already on the rise and the scramble for shots has already begun. Although it just begun, this year’s influenza strain has already reached epidemic proportions. A total of 20 children have died from flu-related illnesses, two of them being from New York. Today, NY Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo declared it a state of emergency due to the flu. Read more below.

Julie A.

Nine out of 10 regions in the United States have reported elevated flu activity ahead of it’s usual time of late January or early February. Cuomo has announced that he is given permission for pharamcies to give the shot to those from ages six months to 18-years-old. This is said to be the worst flu season since 2009.