Flu Begins To Rear Its Head In California Schools
The virus often first shows up in children and then spreads to adults.
Fresno Bee:
Flu Circulating Among Students At California Schools
Doctors say schoolchildren are beginning to show up at clinics and hospitals with the telltale signs of influenza – cough, fever, body aches. “The virus is starting to percolate through the schools,” said Randy Bergen, a pediatric infectious disease specialist for Kaiser Permanente Northern California. So far, influenza activity has been sporadic – 7 percent to 9 percent of Kaiser viral specimens sent for testing have come back positive for influenza A, one of the virus strains. Fresno has had some patients, Bergen said.Almost exclusively, the sick have been children ages 5 to 18, he said. (Anderson, 11/24)
In other health care news from across the state —
The Bakersfield Californian:
Accurate Valley Fever Counts Elude Health Officials
Estimates of the number of valley fever cases recorded by local, state and federal agencies vary so widely that they call into question the accuracy of the figures released to the public, a Center for Health Journalism Collaborative investigation has found. The finding comes during a critical year for valley fever, or coccidioidomycosis. In Kern County, public health officials declared an epidemic in October, predicting more than 2,000 cases in that county alone by year’s end. But data collection methods in California are inconsistent, which adds to the problem of getting an accurate picture of valley fever. (Pierce and Innes, 11/28)
Modesto Bee:
Hospitals Treating More Dog-Bite Victims In Stanislaus County And State
The number of people who seek treatment for dog-bite injuries has increased substantially in Stanislaus County, following a statewide trend. Hospital emergency departments in the county are dealing with 100 additional patients with dog bites each year compared with six years ago, according to state data. (Carlson, 11/25)
San Diego Union-Tribune:
Cancer Survivor Has New Purpose In Race Quest
Ten years ago, Keith Stuessi decided to celebrate his 40th birthday by running his first half-marathon, but he never got past the four-mile mark in training. This winter, the retired doctor is trying again and this time running with a purpose after a near-death experience. Stuessi, 50, is a member of Tri-City Medical Center’s “Lucky 13,” a team of former patients who have overcome major health challenges and are now training for their first half marathon. Each year, several hundred North County residents apply for one of the 13 team positions, which include six months of free personal training at Tri-City Wellness Center in Carlsbad as well as race registration fees for the Carlsbad Half Marathon on Jan. 15. (Kragen, 11/24)