According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. is having an early flu season with most of the country experiencing high levels of influenza-like illness. Influenza and related complications are the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S. and are associated with up to 49,000 deaths and more than 200,000 hospitalizations each year in the U.S. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated to prevent the seasonal flu.
There are two types of flu vaccines, including flu shots or a nasal spray.
The Santa Clara Country Public Health Department reports that during the 2012-13 influenza season, one laboratory-confirmed case requiring ICU-level hospitalization has been reported thus far in Santa Clara County. No laboratory-confirmed influenza deaths have been reported during the 2012-13 influenza season in Santa Clara County as of Jan. 5.
Regional Media Relations Specialist Karl Sonkin with Kaiser Permanente Northern California reports there has been a “definite rise” in flu cases at Santa Clara County Kaiser locations.
“Kaiser has given more than 1.2 million flu vaccines since our flu clinics opened in October, and of the 1,595 specimens sent to the Kaiser Permanente labs for respiratory virus testing, 19 percent this week were positive for Flu A, last week it was 14 percent, and the week before that it was 11 percent,” Sonkin said. “In the past week, sudden increased demand has caused some spot shortages of vaccine in our facilities. We have 30,000 additional vaccines now on order, and we are asking all Kaiser members to call our flu hotline at 1-800-KP-FLU-11 for more information on becoming vaccinated.”
Kaiser members are offered flu vaccines at no cost.
The 2012-2013 flu vaccine protects against influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus and an influenza B virus. This year’s flu vaccine contains two different strains that were not part of the 2011-12 flu vaccine.
To stop the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses, Californians should also: stay home when sick; cover a cough or sneeze by using your elbow or a tissue and properly disposing of the used tissue. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and avoid contact with your eyes, nose and mouth.
