Flu Likely to Spread During the Holidays
Influenza activity in San Diego County is still low, according to the latest report from the County Health and Human Services Agency.
However, the number of flu cases typically increases significantly during the holidays. Local health officials want you to get vaccinated now since immunity takes about two weeks to develop.
“The coughs, fevers and congestion are likely to come in the next few weeks and months since the flu tends to spread during the holidays,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “I encourage you to get a flu shot now to prevent getting sick and to help friends and loved ones stay healthy.”
A 90-year-old man with underlying medical conditions whose death was reported last week was the first flu fatality reported this season. Ninety-seven people died locally from complications from the flu last year, the most since the County began keeping records.
For the week ending November 7, 2015, the Health and Human Services Agency Influenza Watch report shows the following:
- Emergency department visits for influenza-like illness: 3 percent of all visits (up from 2 percent the previous week)
- Lab-confirmed influenza cases for the week: 3 (down from 6 the previous week)
- Total influenza deaths to date: 1 (compared to 0 last season)
- Total lab-confirmed influenza cases to date: 89 (compared to 85 last season)
Your Best Shot Against the Flu
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every year. The vaccine is safe and effective. It takes two weeks for immunity to develop.
Vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk of developing serious complications from influenza. They include:
- People with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes and lung disease, even if your symptoms are under control
- Pregnant women
- People 65 years and older
- People who live with or care for others who are at higher risk
Other Tips to Stay Healthy
In addition to getting vaccinated, people should also do the following to avoid getting sick:
- Wash hands thoroughly and often
- Use hand sanitizers
- Stay away from sick people
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Clean commonly touched surfaces
- If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others
The flu vaccine is available at doctors’ offices and retail pharmacies. If you don’t have medical insurance, you can go to a County public health center to get vaccinated. For a list of locations, visit www.sdiz.org or call 2-1-1.