FluSTAR data is gathered through several surveillance methods, including rapid assay data, laboratory confirmation and clinical diagnosis data. A resulting 12-point cold & flu severity index is further broken out into five levels, helping to paint a regional and national picture of influenza activity in the US. The map also provides breakouts for each condition on the national and local level and is updated regularly with season progress.
Every season, millions of Americans check the flu forecast, reach for a painkiller or cold medication and wait for the symptoms to pass. But somewhere along the way, something doesn't add up.
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