8 latest findings on the flu

Here are eight stories from Becker's Clinical Leadership & Infection Control on influenza, which sickened an estimated 43 million Americans during the 2018-19 flu season, according to the CDC.

1. 5 best, worst states for flu shot coverage
West Virginia has the highest rate of flu vaccine coverage among adults, according to a ranking from WalletHub.

2. Flu shot may offer limited protection this season
This season's flu shot may offer limited protection since two of the four strains included in the vaccine do not match the most dominant strains seen in the Southern Hemisphere's flu season, which ended in September.

3. Only half of pregnant women get flu shot, CDC says
Sixty-five percent of pregnant women are not getting flu shots and Tdap vaccines per CDC recommendations, according to new data from the agency.

4. Surgical mask works just as well as costlier one in flu prevention, study finds
Surgical masks are as effective as respirator-type masks in protecting healthcare workers from flu and other respiratory viruses, according to a study published in JAMA.

5. Flu vaccine not linked to miscarriage, study finds
Undergoing a miscarriage was not associated with receiving an inactivated flu vaccine, according to a study published in Vaccine.

6. Flu shot cuts severe outcomes for hospitalized patients, study finds
Vaccination can reduce the likelihood of severe outcomes, including death, in adults hospitalized with flu by up to 36 percent, according to a study presented at IDWeek 2019.

7. Only 52% of US adults plan to get flu vaccine this season, survey finds
A little over half of U.S. adults plan on getting flu shots this season, according to data released by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

8. Hand-washing better at killing flu than sanitizer, study suggests
Hand-washing, even without soap, is more effective at quickly killing influenza A virus than alcohol-based hand sanitizers, according to a study published in mSphere.

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