Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
José A. Álvarez County of San Diego Communications Office
Is getting a flu shot one of your New Year’s resolutions?
It should be. Influenza continues to sicken more people across the region and the number of lab-confirmed influenza cases reported last week is elevated.
“It is not too late to get a flu shot. The flu vaccine is well matched to the viruses that are circulating,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “Influenza season may last as late as April or May.”
For the week ending December 31, 2016, the Health and Human Services Agency Influenza Watch report shows the following:
How to Prevent the Flu
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. The vaccine is safe and effective. It takes two weeks for immunity to develop.
Vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk of developing serious complications from influenza. They include:
In addition to getting vaccinated, people should also do the following to avoid getting sick:
The flu vaccine is available at doctors’ offices and retail pharmacies. If you don’t have medical insurance, you can go to a County public health center to get vaccinated. For a list of locations, visit www.sdiz.org or call 211.
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