U.S. reports over 18 mln flu cases for current season

The United States has recorded at least 18 million influenza illnesses, 230,000 hospitalizations and 9,300 deaths so far during the current flu season, according to the latest estimates released Friday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC said seasonal influenza activity remains elevated nationwide, though it has decreased or remained stable for two consecutive weeks.