LAKE COUNTY >> As influenza finally finds its way to California, health officials urge people to obtain a flu shot if they haven”t already, despite its widely reported mismatch. This year”s strain is proving to be a tough one to beat.
Nationwide, 45 flu-related pediatric deaths have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 19 states for the 2014-15 season. This month, the Bay Area has seen four flu-related deaths, as reported by San Jose Mercury News.
Lake County, however, is a little more “fortunate,” as Lake County Public Health Director Karen Tait describes it. “We have a more sparse population and it serves us well when it comes to communicable diseases. That”s been the case for a number of other communicable diseases as well.”
Not all flu cases are reported to Tait”s department, only deaths and ICU cases for those younger than 65 are provided. Under those categories, one ICU case in Lake County has been noted.
However, Tait also reported that California”s status with respect to the virus has recently been changed from regional to widespread, as more than 50 percent of counties are experiencing an increase of flu cases.
“I would not be surprised if we see more cases before the season is out because we really don”t know if the season”s peaked yet,” she said.
Typically, the it peaks between December and February, according CDC data.
Across the country, the effectiveness of this year”s vaccine is being challenged by an unexpected strain that developed in Switzerland after the vaccine was created, according to the CDC.
A recent report published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report shows the vaccine as being 23 percent effective at reducing a person”s risk of having to visit the hospital because of the flu virus. Since the CDC began conducting flu vaccine effectiveness studies in 2004-05, vaccine effectiveness has ranged from 10 to 60 percent.
“The flu virus mutates on a regular basis ? every so often it will mutate a bit after the decision is made as to what to put in the vaccine,” Tait explained. “It”s nobody”s fault, it”s just that it”s a moving target.”
Nonetheless, benefits of being vaccinated remain. Despite its differences with the primary strain, a flu vaccine can still stimulate a person”s immune system to react proactively and data shows less severe symptoms are also experienced by those who receive the shot, Tait said.
The flu vaccine is also designed to protect against three or four expected strains and some of those may circulate later in the season, the CDC adds.
The H3N2 strain most commonly circulating this year tends to cause the most severe disease in older adults and young children. People with underlying health programs, such as respiratory diseases, diabetes and even obesity, are also at higher risk.
Upon developing symptoms, those who have underlying conditions should contact their doctor immediately as some antivirals are most effective if started right away, Tait advised.
She also added people visiting doctor”s office or an emergency room should make staff aware of any flu-like symptoms. The Public Health Department is encouraging respiratory etiquette, such as covering coughs, washing hands frequently and avoiding touching around the eyes, nose and mouth.
People feeling sick should stay home from work or school and those unable to eat or drink or with high persistent fevers for more than a day should seek medical care, Tait said.
Although having limited hours, people can receive a flu shot for $2 at the Public Health Department located at 922 Bevins Court in Lakeport. To receive information on the office”s hours, call 263-1090.
