Vida en el Valle Logo

ABC’s of your Health: Influenza activity is increasing throughout California | Vida en el Valle

×
HOME SUBSCRIPTIONS
  • E-edition
  • Home
    • Customer Service
    • About Us
    • Contact Us

    • News
    • State
    • California
    • Fresno
    • Merced
    • Modesto
    • Sacramento
    • Stockton
    • Government/Politics
    • Special Reports
    • Nation & World
    • Sports
    • International Sports
    • Opinion
    • Cartoons
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Submit a Letter
    • Living
    • Entertainment

    • Fresno
    • Merced
    • Modesto
    • Sacramento
  • Classifieds
  • Place An Ad
  • Jobs
  • Cars
  • Homes
  • Rentals
  • Daily Deals

Fresno

ABC’s of your Health: Influenza activity is increasing throughout California

By María G. Ortiz-Briones

    ORDER REPRINT →

January 23, 2019 02:14 PM

Influenza activity is increasing throughout the state and California Department of Public Health officials say it is not too late to get vaccinated and are encouraging residents to get the flu shot.

“It is important to get vaccinated now if you have not done so already,” said Dr. Karen Smith, CDPH director and state Public Health Officer. “I encourage everyone six months of age and older to be vaccinated to help protect themselves and others from the dangers of flu.”

According to the department, flu activity is occurring throughout every region of the state and above expected levels for this time of year. Although the severity of the flu season cannot yet be determined, Californians should take precautions, including vaccination.

On Jan. 11, the Fresno County Department of Public Health announced it has received confirmation that a male and a female adult were the first influenza-associated deaths younger than 65 years of age.

“The first influenza-related deaths have occurred in Fresno County. This is a somber reminder that we all must do everything we can to assure that influenza does not spread within our County,” said Dr. Sara Goldgraben, county Public Health Officer. “Protect yourself. It is never too late to vaccinate.”

Each year, the flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands or sometimes tens of thousands of deaths in the United States.

“Flu activity usually reaches its peak January and February, but typically continues to spread through the spring,” said Smith. “With most of the flu season still to come, it’s not too late to get vaccinated.”

Last season, 80,000 Americans died from the flu.

The San Joaquín County Public Health Services also recommends 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 illnesses, CDPH recommends these steps:

▪ Stay home when sick.

▪ Cover a cough or sneeze with an elbow or tissue and throw the tissue in the trash. 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.

San Joaquín County Public health officials said getting the flu vaccine is the best way to protect themselves against influenza and protect those around them as well.

Flu vaccine is available now and once administered, it takes the vaccine up to two weeks to fully protect against the flu.

Californians should contact their health care provider, pharmacy or a clinic about obtaining the flu vaccine. Some local health departments may also offer low- or no-cost flu shots.

For more information about the flu, including weekly updates on fly activity, visit the CDPH influenza web page.

To find a vaccine location near you, visit HealthMap Vaccine Finder. Simply enter your zip code or city and state to find mapped locations of flu vaccine clinics.

María G. Ortiz-Briones: 559-441-6782, @TuValleTuSalud

  Comments  

Videos

Esmeralda Hurtado sworn onto Sanger City Council

Fresno Superior court workers “won’t be silenced” as they continue their strike

View More Video

things to do

Read Next

Selma High needed monster games from Yesenia Sánchez, Rachel Vieira to get past Frontier, 83-58

Fresno

Selma High needed monster games from Yesenia Sánchez, Rachel Vieira to get past Frontier, 83-58

By JUAN ESPARZA LOERA jesparza@vidaenelvalle.com

    ORDER REPRINT →

February 18, 2019 03:00 PM

It was the closest 25-point win this season for the Selma High girls basketball team.

Hounded into turnovers and missed shots by a Frontier High (Bakersfield) team that came into last Thursday night’s CIF Central Section Division III playoff game with a 13-14 record, the Lady Bears rode the shoulders of senior guard Rachel Vieira and sophomore center Yesenia Sánchez to earn an 83-58 victory.

KEEP READING

MORE FRESNO

Chávez, Ballantyne honored with Memorial Highway in their names

Fresno

Chávez, Ballantyne honored with Memorial Highway in their names

February 15, 2019 05:51 PM
Neighborhood Resource Center brings Centro La Familia services to  Kerman residents

Fresno

Neighborhood Resource Center brings Centro La Familia services to Kerman residents

February 15, 2019 03:37 PM
California amenaza con demandar a Trump por su declaración de emergencia

Fresno

California amenaza con demandar a Trump por su declaración de emergencia

February 15, 2019 12:31 PM
El veredicto contra El Chapo no teñirá de sangre a México

Fresno

El veredicto contra El Chapo no teñirá de sangre a México

February 13, 2019 09:54 AM
71 years after 28 Mexican nationals were killed in a plane crash, families make closure

Fresno

71 years after 28 Mexican nationals were killed in a plane crash, families make closure

February 09, 2019 11:57 AM
El Diamante High School Team No. 2 wins Tulare County Academic Decathlon title

Fresno

El Diamante High School Team No. 2 wins Tulare County Academic Decathlon title

February 06, 2019 11:49 AM
Take Us With You

Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand.

Subscriptions
  • Subscriber Services
Learn More
  • Customer Service
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
Advertising
  • Information
  • Place a Classified
  • Find&Save Local Shopping
Copyright
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service


Back to Story