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Community Corner

California Reports Two Flu Deaths

Health officials are urgently telling residents to get vaccinated.

 

Influenza is spreading in California with two deaths reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through Dec. 29, according to the most recent statistics available.

In a weekly report posted on the CDC’s website, it states, “(California Department of Public Health) CDPH received one report of an influenza-associated death in an adult less than 65 years of age during Week 52.  A total of two influenza-associated deaths among persons less than 65 years of age have been reported to CDPH to date during the 2012–2013 influenza season.”   

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There have been no deaths in Santa Clara County. However, the most recent weekly report, through Jan. 5, stated that one person had to be hospitalized in the ICU due to influenza. The hospital was not identified. Overall, the news from Santa Clara County is positive, with flu cases running behind last year’s level.

Dr. Yvonne Maldonado, chief of pediatric infectious disease at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford told the San Jose Mercury News, "We are seeing some cases, but I would say less than two dozen since we started tracking back in October."   

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But if you’ve paid attention to the national news, you know that the flu is roaring through other parts of the country. Hospitals in several states have been overwhelmed. One hospital had emergency room waits of 24 hours. Another set up tents as a triage for patients.

Here's a look at the most recent national CDC flu map.

From the federal to the state to the local level, health officials are saying the same thing—get immunized. The flu season will not peak until next month and this year’s shot contains the exact strains that are circulating.

Here’s advice from the Santa Clara County Health Department on flu shots:

  • Vaccination is recommended for all persons 6 months and older. It is particularly important for individuals over age 65, those with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, and children less than 5 years of age to be vaccinated, as they are at greater risk for developing flu-related complications.
  • Flu vaccines are available through your provider and at most drug stores.
  • Individuals who are 18 years or older and uninsured or underinsured can obtain a flu vaccine through the Santa Clara County Public Health Adult Immunization Clinic for $17.50.
  • Seniors with Medicare can obtain a flu vaccine for free through the Santa Clara County Public Health Adult Immunization Clinic.
  • This year’s flu vaccine includes the following strains: A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like virus, A/Victoria/361/2011 (H3N2)-like virus, B/Wisconsin/1/2010-like virus.
  • Visit this site to find a location in your area that offers flu shots.

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