The Long Beach city health officer is urging residents to get vaccinated to protect against the flu, as the strain of influenza circulating this year is known to cause severe illness.
“Flu season typically peaks in January and February, so there is still time to protect yourself and your family from the flu,” said Anissa Davis, MD, MPH, Long Beach city health officer. “Getting the flu vaccine can prevent people from getting sick or may lessen the severity of symptoms for those who become ill.”
Reports of flu are now widespread throughout California, according to the California Department of Public Health. Los Angeles County has already reported 19 influenza-associated deaths in the 2017-2018 flu season.
Early surveillance the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted indicates that the primary flu strain this year is influenza A (H3N2), which has been associated with higher rates of hospitalizations and deaths in persons 65 years and older and young children.
The CDC recommends flu vaccine for everyone over 6 months of age, especially those at greatest risk for complications and those who live with or care for these individuals:
• Pregnant women
• Children younger than 5 years of age
• Adults 65 years and older
• People with weakened immune systems
• Those with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or conditions affecting the nervous system.
• People who are overweight or obese
• Those working or living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities
• Healthcare personnel
• Childcare workers.
Symptoms of flu include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches and fatigue. In addition to getting the flu vaccine, practicing good hygiene such as washing hands, covering one’s cough and staying home when sick can prevent others from becoming ill.
The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) continues to vaccinate residents in preparation for the flu season. Since October, nearly 3,500 vaccines have been given at 25 different flu vaccination clinics throughout the City, including a drive-through vaccination clinic, according to city officials. In addition, the Health Department has provided almost 3,000 doses of flu vaccine to clinics throughout Long Beach to distribute to their patients, according to officials.
More information about the flu is available at bit.ly/2lmwZQP.
The Health Department will be giving vaccinations at the Long Beach Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade on Saturday, January 13, from 10am to 2pm.
Source: City of LB
