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CDC says 10 more kids have died this week from flu-related illnesses

ATLANTA — Flu-related illnesses have killed 10 more children, bringing the death toll to 63 children nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday.

Dr. Ann Schuchat decoded the latest flu-related data.

"Levels of influenza-like illness across the country are now as high as we observed at the peak of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic," Schuchat said.

The CDC said 14,676 people have been hospitalized with influenza since the flu season began in October, which is double the number from all of last year and the highest number ever recorded.

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Schuchat said that does not mean we're in a pandemic, but it does shine a light on the intensity of this flu season.

“We were hoping to have better news to share today but, unfortunately, it looks like this flu season continues to be particularly challenging," Schuchat said. “Influenza activity is still on the rise overall."

The acting director said there is no sign of hospitalizations leveling off yet. Schuchat said there's been an unusual number of hospitalizations in people who are 50 to 64 years old. She recommends people get vaccinated.

CDC officials said most flu seasons last up to 20 weeks, and they expect to see increased flu activity for another several weeks.