Flu Season Hitting; Four Deaths Confirmed In Bay Area

Bay Area Health Officers are seeing increased flu activity and encourage all residents to get a flu vaccine and to wash their hands.

Though flu cases has been relatively low in the Bay Area so far this year, that could change as peak flu season approaches toward the end of January.

Flu is widespread in 46 states throughout the country. Locally, cases are increasing rapidly, and all residents can help prevent its spread.

“Although Ebola has gotten a lot of attention this year, flu is a much more real threat here in the Bay Area,” said Dr. Karen Smith, Napa County Public Health Officer. “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 flu death in southern California.

The Bay Area has seen fours flu deaths, in adult residents of San Francisco (1), San Mateo (2) and Sonoma (1) counties, which were confirmed this week.

Only flu deaths in people under age 65 are reported to the state.

It’s Not Too Late to Vaccinate

Depending on the formulation, flu vaccines protect against three or four different flu viruses. Even during a season when the vaccine is only partially protective against one flu virus, it can protect against the others. [Previous Patch story here: Oh, No! Season’s Flu Vaccine Just 23 Percent Effective: CDC.]

So far this season, influenza A H3N2 viruses have been most common. For comparison, in the

2012-2013, 2007-2008, and 2003-2004 seasons H3N2 strains dominated and had the highest seasonal mortality levels of the past decade. About half of this year’s H3N2 viruses that have been analyzed show changes that may make this year’s flu shot less effective at protecting against this particular strain.

“Even though the flu shot is not a perfect match for all of this year’s flu viruses, it is still worth getting,” said Smith. “The shot will still protect against other strains of flu that are circulating, and can help prevent more severe illness if you do get the flu.”

Who needs a flu vaccine?

Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone six months of age or older, but is particularly important for those at higher risk of severe influenza, including pregnant women, children under five years of age, 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.

Where is flu vaccine available?

1. From doctors or healthcare providers

2. Pharmacies: visit www.healthmap.org/flushot to find flu vaccine locations

Practice Good Hygiene & Healthy Habits: W.H.A.C.K. the Flu

· Wash hands often

· Home is where you stay when sick

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

· Cover coughs and sneezes

· Keep distance from people coughing and sneezing

Anyone with flu-like symptoms (fever >100 ˚F with cough and/or sore throat) should stay home until fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications (e.g. Tylenol). Antiviral medication may help to reduce the severity and length of illness if taken soon after symptoms start; talk to a doctor/healthcare provider as soon as flu-like symptoms develop.

Symptoms

Seasonal Influenza (Flu)

Fever

Present, often high, usually 100°F and over and usually lasts 3-4 days

Headache

Very common, sudden onset and can be severe

Body Aches

Very common, often severe

Chills, Sweats

Fairly common

Coughing

Dry, unproductive cough, can be severe

Sneezing

Uncommon

Stuffy nose

Less common

Sore Throat

Common

Chest Discomfort

Often severe

Tiredness

Sudden onset, moderate to severe

Symptoms

Develop suddenly, can appear within 3-6 hours

Others

Some people may have vomiting & diarrhea

Information courtesy of Napa County Public Health Division.

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