The Centers for Disease Control is extending expanded access to publicly
funded flu medication through November 15th ... as Taiwan remains in the
middle of a flu epidemic.

According to the CDC, more than 123-thousand people visited clinics and
emergency rooms with flu-like symptoms last week, down 5.4 percent from the
previous week.

However, health authorities also reported 159 new cases of severe flu
complications and 44 deaths.

The expanded program covers seven groups, including healthcare workers,
nursing home residents and staff, students from kindergarten through high
school, and people living with or caring for those at high risk of severe
illness.

The medication is available at around 4-thousand contracted medical
facilities nationwide.

The CDC says eligible patients with flu-like symptoms do not need a rapid flu
test ... as doctors can decide whether antiviral treatment is appropriate.

(IG)