Flu season strikes Stanislaus region. Hospitalizations increase across state
The seasonal flu is striking hard in the Northern San Joaquin Valley and hospitalizations are rising as a new strain of influenza spreads in California.
The California Department of Public Health said in a news release Tuesday that flu activity and hospital admissions are increasing across the state. Health agencies in California have detected a strain of Influenza A, called H3N2 subclade K, that has caused severe flu outbreaks in other states and other countries.
“Current seasonal flu vaccines remain effective at reducing severe illness and hospitalization, including the currently circulating viruses,” said Dr. Erica Pan, the state’s public health officer. “It is important for families to know that flu vaccines, tests and treatments remain widely available for all Californians and that it is not too late to get a flu vaccine.”
According to a state dashboard, test positivity for influenza is high in the Central Valley. Hospital admissions for seasonal flu are moderate in the region.
To track disease patterns, state health officials monitor positive test data from people who seek healthcare, hospital emergency department visits, flu-related hospitalizations, vital records and detection of respiratory viruses in community wastewater systems.
The CDPH news release said two children have died from flu-related illness during the winter flu season in California. The state said young children and older adults are the most vulnerable to serious flu complications. Flu symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, sore throat, body aches and nasal congestion.
A vaccination with the 2025-26 flu vaccine is recommended for people age 6 months and older. The current flu vaccine is not considered a close match for the H3N2 subclade K strain, but health agencies maintain the vaccine will help prevent severe complications and hospitalization.
Lower vaccination rates globally and nationwide this year are suspected as one reason the newly emerged strain has caused serious outbreaks.
The CDPH advised people at risk of severe disease to ask their doctor about getting tested early if they experience symptoms, so they can start antiviral treatment. The CDPH recommended oseltamivir or single-dose baloxavir for antiviral treatment.
The news release said recommended vaccines will be covered by health insurers regulated by California even though some changes in federal recommendations have occurred. A flu shot is not recommended for anyone who’s had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine ingredient.
Flu shots are available from healthcare providers and pharmacies. Appointments can be scheduled at myturn.ca.gov.
