Flu Activity Expected For Several More Weeks

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Health officials say flu activity is widespread around the state and is expected to continue for several more weeks. The New Mexico Department of Health says elevated flu activity started a bit later than in the previous three seasons but that flu-related hospitalizations and deaths have increased in recent weeks. The department also says the flu vaccine for this season appears to be a good match with strains that are circulating. New Mexico has identified 115 influenza and pneumonia-related deaths this flu season. Of those 115 deaths, 13 were flu-related deaths among adults. The department says many of the pneumonia-related deaths may have been related to complications from having flu because pneumonia is a known complication of influenza infection.