LAKE COUNTY— Health officials warned Thursday that flu activity in Lake County is expected to increase in the coming weeks.
Lake County Interim Public Health Officer, Dr. Erin Gustafson said, “Flu is circulating at elevated levels throughout California, and it’s not too late to get a flu shot.” The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently announced that influenza activity is widespread and increasing throughout California.
Officials noted influenza has already claimed the lives of two children so far this season in Stanislaus and Riverside Counties. According to department officials, these tragedies serve as a reminder that influenza can be deadly. Last year, eight in 10 children who died from flu complications were not vaccinated. To limit illnesses and deaths attributed to influenza, CDPH recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older, including pregnant women, receive a flu vaccine every year. Children 6 months through 8 years of age who have received fewer than two doses of the flu vaccine will typically need two doses this season spaced at least four weeks apart. Flu activity usually peaks in January and February but continues to spread through the spring, according to health experts. With most of the flu season still to come, it’s not too late to get vaccinated, they said.
Since Sept. 30, 2018, there have been 151 deaths and 28 outbreaks statewide, according to the Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses Weekly Report from the state’s surveillance program for the week of Jan. 20, 2019 through Jan. 26, 2019. Flu activity remains elevated in California, based on laboratory surveillance indicators.
Symptoms of the flu can include a fever, headache, fatigue, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat and body aches. Flu activity usually peaks between December and February each year, but can last until May.
This year’s flu shot is expected to be about 20 percent effective, according to tests by Rice University bioengineer Dr. Michael Deem. That means that among those who are vaccinated, 20 percent fewer will get the flu compared to those who are not vaccinated. While 20 percent might not sound like much, that’s still enough to prevent 5.3 million infections and 85,000 flu-related hospitalizations nationwide, according to CDC estimates. Doctors’ offices, pharmacies, Lake County’s local health departments and even many grocery stores all offer flu shots. The vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months. Those at the highest risk of getting the flu – and of having complications if they do get it — are young children, pregnant women, people over the age of 65, and those with chronic health conditions.
Though most people recover from the flu in one to two weeks, it can lead to further complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections.The Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses Weekly Report can bee read online at:
Lake County Public Health is offering seasonal flu vaccines for $2.
Scheduled clinics for the seasonal flu vaccines are as follows while supplies last:
Lakeport
For the month of February we will be offering flu vaccines on:
Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Public Health Division, 922 Bevins Court in Lakeport.
Appointments are required. Please call 707-263-1090 or 800-794-9291 to schedule.
