Flu activity is increasing in California. Last season 80,000 Americans died from the flu. To reduce the risk, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and San Joaquin County Public Health Services recommend the annual flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older. People with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, children under 2 years of age, adults aged 65 and older, and nursing home residents are a high risk of developing flu-related complications, however, deaths can occur at any age.
Common symptoms of the flu include fever or feeling feverish, a cough and/or sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, chills, fatigue and body aches. Children may also have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
To stop the spread of flu and other respiratory illness, you should also:
- Stay home when sick
- Use a tissue or a sleeve and properly dispose of used tissue when you cough or sneeze. People with flu can spread the virus to others up to 6 feet away when they cough, sneeze or talk.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
While seasonal flu outbreaks can happen as early as October, flu activity is usually highest between December and February and can continue into May. San Joaquin County Public Health Services is reminding anyone who has not yet received a flu vaccine to do so in time for the holidays. Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself against influenza and protect those around you as well. As long as flu viruses are circulating, it’s not too late to get vaccinated. Don’t let the flu ruin your holidays. Flu vaccine is available now. Once administered, it takes the vaccine up to two weeks to fully protect you against the flu.
If you do not have a regular medical provider or cannot get flu vaccine from your healthcare provider, vaccine is available through many clinics and pharmacies. It is not too late to get the flu vaccine. Go to https://www.vaccinefinder.org to find a location near you where you can get vaccinated. Simply enter your zip code or city and state to find mapped locations of flu vaccine clinics.
For more information on influenza, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm or https://espanol.cdc.gov/enes/flu/index.htm for Spanish.