Bay Area Flu Activity on the Rise, State Officials Say

BAY AREA, CA -- Influenza activity in California is increasing, with most activity in Northern and Central California and the Bay Area, state public health officials said this week.

There have been three reports of flu-associated deaths in patients under age 65 in California since Dec. 24, including one in Solano County, according to the California Department of Public Health.

Influenza in the United States normally peaks in December through February, but can continue until May. Although it's mild in most people, in others it can be a severe infection that results in hospitalization and death.

Annual flu shots are recommended for everyone six months of age or older. People at risk of complications include children younger than five years old, adults over 65, pregnant women and people with heart or lung
disease, diabetes or weakened a immune system, according to health officials.

Other precautions to avoid the flu include washing your hands often with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when ill and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Locations across both the state and country that provide flu vaccinations can be found at http://VaccineFinder.org.

Bay City News contributed to this report/Image via Shutterstock