Flu cases hit worst level in 15 years in the US — plus more headlines
For Tuesday, Feb. 18, WGN's Ben Bradley and Lourdes Duarte have the latest on new medical information, including:
More Coverage: WGN's Medical Watch
It's the worst flu season to hit the US in 15 years.
The CDC reports that there have been at least 29 million estimated cases so far this season. There have been 16,000 deaths as of Feb. 8 and 68 kids have died. There have been a minimum of 370,000 hospitalizations. This season may be more severe due to falling vaccination rates in recent years for some groups, including children.
There may be yet another use for the drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, beyond diabetes and weight loss.
A new study shows the active ingredient – Semaglutide – may also help reduce alcohol cravings, in people with 'alcohol use disorder.' That's a condition where a person can't stop drinking alcohol, or has become dependent on it.
In the study, people injected with Semaglutide had reduced alcohol cravings and fewer heavy drinking days. About 400 million people suffer with 'alcohol use disorder,' globally.
The measles outbreak in rural West Texas has grown to 58 cases as of Tuesday, Feb. 18. Experts believe it jumped the state line into eastern New Mexico, with eight people now diagnosed with the highly contagious virus.
Public health officials in New Mexico have said they suspect some of the state's cases are linked to the Texas outbreak but haven't confirmed it. In Texas, 13 people are hospitalized. State health officials say it's the largest outbreak in 30 years.
The cases in Texas are concentrated in a close-knit, under-vaccinated Mennonite community, where many children are home-schooled or taught in private religious schools.
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