The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is strongly encouraging everyone six months and older to get vaccinated against influenza and take steps to prevent its spread as flu activity increases across Los Angeles County.
Getting a flu vaccine and practicing everyday hygiene and prevention measures remain the most effective ways to reduce the spread of flu and prevent serious illness.
Although anyone can become seriously ill from the flu, those at highest risk for complications include children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years and older, pregnant women and individuals who are immunocompromised or have underlying health conditions.
Recent surveillance data show increasing flu activity in Los Angeles County. For the week ending January 24, sentinel laboratories reported 17.1% of specimens were positive for flu. This is up from 11% the week prior. Emergency department visits for influenza-like illness also rose to 7.7%, compared to 6.4% the week prior, and flu-related hospitalizations rose from 222 to 261. Flu activity is expected to remain elevated in the coming weeks.
The Flu Vaccine Is Effective
Public Health recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. This year’s flu vaccine remains effective at generating an immune response and preventing hospitalization, even against the new subclade K influenza virus…