Flu Strain Resistant to Leading Flu Treatment

Less than 10 percent of flu patients each year are treated with an anti-viral drug. In most cases, the case of flu gets better on its own. But doctors emphasize that those who are prescribed a medication are the sickest of patients who need an effective anti-viral.

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On average, 36,000 Americans die from the flu each year in the United States, according to the CDC, and more than 200,000 are hospitalized.

Fortunately, this flu season, which typically begins in the U.S. in November and lasts through March, is off to a mild start. According to the Centers for Disease Control, no state has yet reported widespread influenza outbreaks.

But doctors warn that could change at any time. With the leading flu treatment now ineffective, doctors say the focus should be on flu prevention. And this is one year when there is an ample supply of flu vaccine.