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313 N. Figueroa Street, Room 806  |  Los Angeles, CA 90012  |  (213) 240-8144  |  media@ph.lacounty.gov

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For Immediate Release:

September 09, 2013

LA County's First Influenza Cases of the Season Confirmed
Everyone six month of age and older urged to get a seasonal flu vaccine

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is receiving early reports of laboratory confirmed influenza (flu) including our first reported influenza hospitalization. The strain was identified as Influenza A H1N1, which is covered by this year's vaccine along with two or three additional strains that research shows could be common this flu season.

"While occasional reports of cases and sometimes low levels of influenza can continue throughout the summer and early fall, these recent reports suggest a possible early start to the influenza season in our area," said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. "However, we cannot predict how severe or how mild a flu season will be. We encourage everyone, six months of age or older, to get either the influenza shot or the nasal spray vaccine, and to practice basic hygiene, such as hand washing, to prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory diseases."

Early vaccination will provide protection throughout influenza season and into the spring. Since it can take up to two weeks to develop an immune response, it is important to vaccinate as early in the season as possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that yearly influenza vaccination begin in September or as soon as the vaccine is available. Influenza accounts for up to 220,000 hospitalizations, and an average of 24,000 deaths in the U.S. each year, according to the CDC. Symptoms of the flu 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," said Dr. Fielding. "Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others."

Residents are encouraged to contact their regular doctor or health plan for information on where and when they can get a flu shot. Many private providers have already received flu vaccine and are making it available for their patients. Additionally, flu vaccinations are currently available at many pharmacies and other retail venues including some supermarkets for a low fee.

For individuals without health insurance or another source of health care, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will begin offering flu vaccinations at special community outreach events in late September and October.

Upcoming events offering free flu vaccinations:

Date: September 28th, 2013

Date: October 10th, 2013

Date: October 24th, 2013

To find locations where flu vaccinations are currently available and will be offered in the future, visit www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/ip/flu/FluLocatorMain.htm or call the LA County Information Line at 2-1-1 from any landline or cell phone in the county.

Influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone (except infants under six months of age). It is especially important that certain groups be vaccinated because they are either at greater risk of developing complications from the flu or because they live with or care for others who are at greater risk of developing complications. These groups are:

Flu is extremely contagious. Everyone is urged to practice basic hygiene to help reduce the chances of catching either the flu or other illnesses. These healthy habits include:

Resources

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises nearly 4,000 employees and has an annual budget exceeding $750 million. To learn more about Public Health and the work we do please visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov, visit our YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/lapublichealth, find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lapublichealth, or follow us on Twitter: @LAPublicHealth.



Find a Flu Shot | More Information about Influenza



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