Health

FDA Approves New Flu Treatment After Deadly Flu Season

The CDC says last flu season was the deadliest since 1976.

FDA Approves New Flu Treatment After Deadly Flu Season
Getty Images
SMS

The FDA announced Wednesday it approved a new treatment for the flu. Xofluza is for people who have had flu symptoms for no more than two days and are older than 12. It comes in a single oral dose that the FDA says can help alleviate symptoms.

The CDC reported about 80,000 Americans died from the flu or flu complications last season, making it the deadliest since 1976.

The FDA's commissioner said in a statement the seasonal flu vaccine is still one of the most effective ways to protect against the influenza virus. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October.