Flu Shot Or No Flu Shot: The Question For California Parents

Health care agencies across southern California have reported rapid increases in flu over the past few weeks, reminding residents that it’s not too late to vaccinate.

"More than 900 confirmed influenza cases have been reported by local medical providers to date this season," said Jessica Good, public information officer for Orange County Health.

According to recently released reports of flu cases in Orange County, nine adults between the ages of 18 and 64 years old and two children less than 18 have developed severe infection requiring a visit to intensive care.

“The rapid rise in reports of illness and hospitalization around the state makes it likely that this will be a severe flu season,” said County Health Officer Dr. Eric Handler. “The vaccine seems to match well with the virus we’re seeing, and it’s a quick and easy way for folks to protect themselves against severe complications from the flu.”

Influenza is a seasonal contagious respiratory illness which can be caused by influenza A or B viruses, according to Handler.

Flu symptoms may include:

• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• headaches
• body aches
• chills
• fatigue

Flu illness can be severe, leading to missed school or work, hospitalization and even death, Handler said.

An informal poll of 150 mothers in Orange County showed the majority of parents choose not to subject their children to flu shots, while others stated flu shots were a part of normal wellness care for their families.

Mother and nurse Jazmine Keys said she doesn't get the flu shot for herself or her children.

"Overall, I feel (not getting the flu shot) is best for my family," she said. "I don't believe the flu shot works. When I see efficacy rates of 20 and 30 percent, for me, the risks outweigh the benefits."

Risks of side effects and fears of ineffectiveness were the number one reason to not get the flu shot, according to area parents. On the other side of the flu shot debate, parents who favored getting the flu shot also evaluated the difference in recovery time once the illness arrived on their door step.

"We all get the flu shot," south Orange County mother Sara Treadway said. "One year, both my daughter and I got the flu shot and my husband did not. My daughter and I fought the flu off in about a day, my husband was laid up for nearly a week with the flu."

Still, many parents leaned on researching medical studies and trusting family physicians when it came to deciding whether or not to receive the flu shot.

Wash Your Hands and Cover Your Cough

Washing your hands and covering your cough or sneeze is only part of containing the flu virus. According to Orange County Health physicians, the virus is mainly spread through droplets from coughs and sneezes.

"The best way to protect against both influenza A and B viruses is by getting vaccinated each year before the start of the flu season," Handler said. "Vaccinations are recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older, and are especially important for infants, young children, pregnant women, adults over 50 and those with chronic medical conditions."

Close contacts and caregivers of these high-risk people should also be vaccinated, according to Handler.

Most insurance plans, including MediCal and Medicare, cover free vaccinations from your health care provider. In addition, many clinics and pharmacies offer no-cost or low-cost flu shots throughout Orange County. The Health Care Agency will be offering free seasonal influenza vaccinations for people 6 months of age and older who do not have a medical provider or health insurance coverage.

Where Do I Get A Flu Shot?

In Orange County, vaccinations are available on a walk-in basis on the following day and times:

Every Thursday, 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.

Public Health Clinic, 1725 West 17th St., Santa Ana, CA 92706

How To Stop The Flu:

Remember these important steps to help stop the spread of flu and other germs:

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue (or sleeve if you are caught by surprise)
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water (or alcohol-based sanitizer, if not available)
• Stay home if you are sick (at least 24 hours after your fever is gone)

The most current local information, including vaccination locations, is available at www.ochealthinfo.com/flu or by calling the Health Referral Line at 800-564- 8448, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free, print-ready resources for individuals, schools and health care settings to help promote influenza prevention are available at http://ochealthinfo.com/phs/ab...

Photo courtesy Judy Schmidt, CDC