December 6-12 is National Influenza Vaccination Week 2015. Have you gotten your flu shot yet? If not, you should before influenza starts to spread in the next weeks and months.
“Everyone should get a flu shot,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “The vaccine is the most effective way to prevent getting sick.”
Flu activity in San Diego County continues to be low, which is normal for this time of the year.
For the week ending Dec. 5, 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 (down from 4 the previous week)
- Lab-confirmed influenza cases for the week: 12 (up from 9 the previous week)
- Total influenza deaths to date: 1 (compared to 0 last season)
- Total lab-confirmed influenza cases to date: 144 (compared to 144 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.
RELATED: First Local Flu-related Death of the Season Reported
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 Community Health Center or County public health center to get vaccinated. For a list of locations, visit www.sdiz.org or call 2-1-1.
