Flu season has arrived, not too late for a flu shot

January 16, 2015

SOLANO COUNTY – Bay Area Health Officials are seeing increased flu activity and encourage all residents to get flu shots and to regularly wash their hands.

Though the flu season has been relatively mild in the Bay Area so far, it could change. Flu is widespread in states throughout the country. Locally, the flu season is here, and everyone can play a part to prevent its spread.

"Although Ebola has received a lot of attention this year, flu is a much more real threat here in the Bay Area," said Bela T. Matyas, MD, MPH, Health Officer for Solano County. “Every year, flu sickens and kills thousands of Americans and is particularly dangerous to the young, elderly and those with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems.”

Last week, the California Department of Public Health announced the state's first reported flu death in southern California. The Bay Area has seen four flu deaths in adult residents of San Francisco (1), Sonoma (1) and San Mateo (2) counties, confirmed this week. Flu deaths in people under age 65 years are reported to the state.

So far the influenza A H3N2 virus has been the most common strain this season. By comparison, H3N2 strains predominated in the 2012-2013, 2007-2008, and 2003-2004 flu seasons, and these seasons had the highest numbers of flu deaths of the past decade.

Small, naturally occurring changes in this year’s H3N2 virus strain may make this year’s flu shot less effective; however, health officials strongly recommend getting vaccinated, as it is still the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu.

“Even though the flu shot is not a perfect match for all of this year’s circulating flu virus strains, it is still important to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Matyas. “The shot will protect you against other strains of flu that are circulating, and it can decrease the severity of illness if you do get the flu.”

In addition to getting vaccinated, it's important to practice good hand washing and health habits. To prevent becoming ill and to help stop the spread of germs, people can take these simple steps:
•           Limit contact with others when you are sick – stay home from work or school
•           Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
•           Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based rub
•           Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone six months of age and  older, and is particularly important for those at higher risk of severe influenza, including pregnant women, children under five, the elderly, and persons with certain underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, asthma and heart disease. Vaccination of pregnant women also helps to protect infants too young to be vaccinated.

The flu season is likely to become severe in California this year.  Now is the time to take steps to protect yourself and those around you. Those at highest risk who develop flu symptoms should contact their physician immediately in order to get the most effective treatment. Symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue.

Visit a flu vaccine location near you to get immunized. Solano Public Health will provide free flu vaccination on January 31, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Salvation Army, Ray & Joan Kroc Community Center in Suisun City. The center is located at 586 East Wigeon Way, Suisun City.

For more information about influenza, visit www.flu.gov