Flu Cases Rising in State, but Officials Say Vaccine Is Working Effectively

The number of influenza cases is rising in California and the peak flu season could be near, according to state health officials, the Sacramento Bee reports (Kawahara, Sacramento Bee, 2/16).

Details of Uptick

As of the first week in February, there were 597 flu cases reported in the state, up from 472 cases the prior week, according to recent data from the state Department of Public Health (Hennessy-Fiske, "L.A. Now," Los Angeles Times, 2/15).

Ken August -- spokesperson for DPH -- said most of the flu activity has been in Southern California, but the number of cases in Northern California also has increased in the last few weeks.

Even so, flu activity statewide is within the expected range for this time of year, according to DPH.  

Vaccinating Californians

Health officials have stressed that being vaccinated is the most effective form of preventing the flu, saying that everyone ages six months and older should receive the shot.

More than 14 million doses of the vaccine have been shipped to state, more than in any previous year (Sacramento Bee, 2/16).

Officials have credited improved vaccines with limiting the spread of the flu this season, saying that this year's shot seems to be exceptionally effective in preventing infections ("L.A. Now," Los Angeles Times, 2/15).