CDC Warns Flu Epidemic May Hit The U.S. Within Next 2 Weeks

February 2, 2009 6:13 a.m. EST

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - A widespread outbreak of flu has been reported in Virginia, according to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention. It is the first state to report an outbreak, which the CDC observed was on a slow start.

But CDC epidemiologist Anthony Fiore warned the U.S. might be hit by the chronic winter ailment within the next two weeks.

Aside from Virginia, the CDC reported localized flu outbreaks in Maryland and the District of Columbia based on its weekly polls. Virginia Department of Health epidemiologist Laura Ann Nicolai forecasts high incidents of flu cases in the state for the next six to eight weeks with the ailment running into March, April and even May.

Flu symptoms include fever, aching muscles, headache, dry cough, sore throat and lack of energy.

According to the CDC, flu vaccine manufacturers had shipped in lots the shots for the 2008-09 flu season as early as August 2008 and it should distributed by end of November. The manufacturers estimate 143 to 146 million doses of flu vaccine will be available for the current influenza season.