Don’t Let Your Guard Down: Another Strain Of The Flu Is Sweeping In What’s Become A Long, Vicious Season
Influenza B, which is particularly bad for children, is making its presence known in California.
Sacramento Bee:
Increase In Influenza B Cases And Flu Outbreaks In Calif.
A surge in influenza B cases is providing a lesson to California residents that they cannot let down their guard just because influenza A activity declines. The H3N2 strain of influenza A grabbed headlines early in the flu season, as Californians learned anew of its deadly force, but now influenza B is causing a growing number of flu outbreaks in the Golden State. (Anderson, 3/19)
In other public health news —
California Healthline:
Adults Skipping Vaccines May Miss Out On Effective New Shingles Shot
Federal officials have recommended a new vaccine that is more effective than an earlier version at protecting older adults against the painful rash called shingles. But persuading many adults to get this and other recommended vaccines continues to be an uphill battle, physicians and vaccine experts say. (Andrews, 3/20)
Capital Public Radio:
Cancer Test-By-Mail Gets Approval From FDA — But Not Necessarily From Doctors
The Silicon Valley company 23andMe can tell you about your ancestry, your geographic origins and your risk for diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s — all based on a swab of saliva. Now, they’ve got approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to test for mutations in the a gene that indicates heightened risk for breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancers. (Caiola, 3/19)
Orange County Register:
Orange County Will Spend $70.5 Million For Permanent Housing For Homeless, Possibly Add Temporary Shelters In Irvine, Huntington Beach, Laguna Niguel
Supervisors voted Monday for Orange County to spend $70.5 million on permanent housing for the homeless, and to create temporary homeless camps in Irvine, and possibly in Huntington Beach and Laguna Niguel. The vote comes a week after supervisors committed $20 million toward permanent housing for the homeless. (Graham, 3/19)