Although flu activity appears to be easing in some parts of the country, the virus reached a widespread level in California contributing to illness and hospitalization around the state, the Los Angeles Times recently reported.
More from the article:
The state's number of outpatient visits and hospitalizations is higher than normal for mid-January, signaling either an early start to the Caliornia flu season or a sign that this year's flu could be more severe than usual, [Gil Chavez, state epidemiologist for the California Department of Public Health] said. The flu typically peaks in late February or early March, he said.
Five Californians under the age of 65 have died from this year's flu. Chavez said the department is not able to track flu deaths of people over the age of 65.
The above image shows a negative-stained transmission electron micrograph depicting the ultrastructural details of an influenza virus particle. To avoid getting the bug, public health officials say there's still time to be vaccinated. And athough there have been spot shortages of the flu shot, there is still adequate supply. To find out which location nearest you has the vaccine, plug your address or zip code into the HealthMap Vaccine Finder.
Previously: Does exercise amplify the flu shot’s effect?, Ask Stanford Med: Answers to your questions about seasonal and Student “Flu Crew” brings no-cost flu vaccinations to the community
