First Four Cases of the Flu in LA County Confirmed

The first four cases of the flu this year in Los Angeles County have been confirmed.

Three adults and one child acquired the flu, three of them infected with Influenza A H3N2 and one with H1N1, according to a Los Angeles County Department of Public Health news release. All four have recovered.

The individuals reside in the San Fernando Valley and West Los Angeles area, but public health officials said there is little doubt that influenza is countywide.

"These confirmed cases mark the beginning of a flu season that can stretch from now until May of next year,” said Dr. Jonathan Fielding, director of public health and health officer.  “Now is an excellent time to get your annual flu vaccine. The earlier you get your seasonal flu vaccine, the sooner you will be protected from the flu."

Fielding said that how severe or mild a flu season will be is unpredictable.  Influenza accounts for up to 200,000 hospitalizations, and an average of 24,000 deaths in the U.S. each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms include fever, cough, headache, and muscle ache within the first three to five days of illness.

"The flu can affect each person differently. Most individuals who get sick are able to treat themselves at home with over-the-counter medications, drinking plenty of fluids, resting and staying home from work or school. Others may develop complications such as pneumonia and may require hospitalization," Fielding said.

Residents are encouraged to contact their regular doctor for recommended vaccinations. Alternatively, supermarkets and pharmacies throughout the county are also offering seasonal flu vaccine for a low fee. Visit http://www.findaflushot.com/ to find a source for low-cost flu vaccination.

The LA County Department of Public Health plans to start operating vaccine clinics next week throughout the county for residents without health insurance or another source of health care.

Visit the Public Health website at http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov, or call the LA County Information Line at 2-1-1 from any landline or cell phone in the county to find a free flu vaccine clinic.

The Influenza vaccine is now recommended for everyone, except for infants under six months of age, because immunity from the vaccination declines over time.  However, certain groups should be vaccinated because they have a greater risk of developing complications should they get the flu.

These groups are:

• Pregnant women;
• Children younger than five;
• Adults 50 years of age and older;
• People of any age with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes;
• People who live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities;
• People who live with or care for those at high-risk for complications from the flu, including health care and day care workers.

Public Health officials urge the public to practice basic hygiene to keep the flu at bay.

These healthy habits include:

• Washing your hands frequently, especially after using the restroom and before and after eating;
• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze;
• Not touching your nose, mouth or eyes to prevent the spread of germs;
• Staying home from work or school when sick.