Haven’t Gotten Your Flu Shot Yet? Don’t Worry, It’s Not Too Late
Health officials say there are benefits to getting your flu shot year-round, and that there isn't a deadline for when it will be helpful.
LAist:
Yes It's January, But No It's Not Too Late To Get A Flu Shot
Flu season typically runs from October through May with a peak in February. But, much like fire season, Riverside health official Dr. Cameron Kaiser argues it's now year-round. ...Health officials recommend getting the flu shot when it becomes available in October and November, but going later is still vital in mitigating severe illness, Kaiser said. (Adams, 1/15)
In other public health news —
KPBS:
Pedestrian Deaths Increased In 2018 Despite Vision Zero Project
Despite a concerted effort to end pedestrian traffic deaths in the city, the number doubled in 2018 over the previous year. The San Diego Police Department reports 34 pedestrians were killed by cars last year, up from 17 the year before, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported. (Cavanaugh and Burke, 1/15)
Los Angeles Times:
Preventing Breast Cancer Just Got Easier. Will More Women Give These Drugs A Try?
Breast cancer will strike 1 in 8 women in her lifetime. But women who face an increased risk of being that one unlucky patient may improve their chances with three prescription medications, according to a new report. If 1,000 women took one of the three medications for roughly five years, somewhere between seven and 18 breast cancers could be prevented, and possibly more. But each of the drugs — two originally used to treat breast cancer and a third that prevents the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis — comes with the possibility of serious side effects, including blood clots and a higher likelihood of uterine or endometrial cancer. (Healy, 1/15)