Vicious Flu Sweeping State: Death Tolls Are Climbing And Hospitals Are Overwhelmed
Health officials are still urging residents to get a flu shot.
Los Angeles Daily News:
The H3N2 Flu Virus Is Known As The Hospitalizer. Here's Why.
At a news conference at their downtown Los Angeles office, county public health officials said it was not too late to get the flu vaccine, since they said it perfectly protects against three of four of the strains circulating. They also said that because the flu season started a month earlier than usual and its peak has yet to be identified, the bug could circulate for a longer period of time. (Abram, 1/10)
Ventura County Star:
Ventura County Flu Deaths Rise Again; Officials Urge Vaccination
At least 16 people in Ventura County have died in flu-related deaths this season, public health officials said Thursday as they urged vaccinations. The county’s death total continues to rise, with 11 deaths reported this week by public health officials. The actual dates of the deaths were not available. Ventura County Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Levin said the season’s tally now surpasses the 15 deaths during the swine flu outbreak of 2009-2010. (Kisken, 1/11)
San Diego Union-Tribune:
Palomar Health Giving Free Flu Shots, While Supplies Last
Palomar Health is giving away its remaining 150 doses of flu vaccine to anyone, age 9 through adult, who has yet to get this year’s shot. The shots will be distributed on a first-come basis, while supplies last, at its community clinics, officials said. No insurance is required. ...Medical professionals are encouraging anyone 6 months and older who hasn’t had a flu shot to get one. The flu vaccination can help prevent getting the flu or shorten its duration and lessen the severity. It takes two weeks for immunity to develop. (Himchak, 1/11)
The Mercury News:
Which Foods Help You Fight The Flu?
The flu has hit hard this year with a particularly nasty strain of the virus that has slammed into California without mercy. ...But here are some foods you may not have thought about in terms of helping shield you during what is being called a deadly flu season. (D'Souza, 1/11)