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WHO Warns Against Influenza Outbreaks, Urges Vaccinations
September 27, 2002

UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- The World Health Organization on Thursday urged governments to step up influenza vaccination programs, warning that many developing countries still don't perceive the disease as a major public health problem.

"For most healthy people, influenza leads to a high fever, headaches, coughing and a few days off from work or school," a statement from the U.N. health agency said. "For the elderly and chronically ill, however, the disease can mean hospitalization and even death."

The statement came at the end of a WHO meeting of experts this week in Geneva on determining the best vaccine for the southern hemisphere, which is entering it's flu season after winter.

Copyright 2002 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

 

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