Flu season peaks; vaccines still available

California health officials confirmed the first flu-related death of the 2014-15 season late last week, giving many a wake-up call.

The death of a Southern California adult is a reminder that influenza activity should be taken seriously, state health officials said. “Flu activity is beginning to increase statewide, including reports of hospitalizations and severe disease,” said Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health, in a news release. “We are early on in what could be a severe flu season, and I encourage everyone who has not yet gotten a flu vaccination to do so.

“The influenza vaccine remains the most effective way to protect yourself from the flu,” he added.

Michael Johnson, assistant director at the Merced County Department of Public Health, said no severe flu cases have been reported in Merced County but health officials remain on high alert.

“We monitor all sorts of emerging and growing diseases, and we’ve been just watching influenza very closely,” Johnson said.

Doses of vaccines are still available at the Department of Public Health.

“We did see a little peak in interest following the holidays,” he said. “We will continue to give free vaccines until we don’t have anymore.”

State health officials said influenza is widespread in 43 states, and 21 pediatric influenza deaths have been reported nationwide this flu season.

In addition to getting vaccinated, health officials remind the public to be conscious about following good health practices, including good hand washing; covering mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing; and staying home when sick.

Flu season typically peaks between December and February, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC reports an increase in influenza activity and hospitalization rates in people over 65 in the past several weeks. The most vulnerable groups include the elderly, pregnant women, infants and people with other existing health conditions.

This story was originally published January 14, 2015 at 6:41 PM with the headline "Flu season peaks; vaccines still available."