Take steps to avoid catching, spreading flu

With the arrival of the seasonal flu, Stanislaus County health officials are urging people to lower their risk of catching the illness.

Dr. John Walker, county public health officer, said influenza has struck earlier than normal in California and can be easily transmitted in places where people gather.

Simple steps can be taken to keep from spreading flu viruses, such as washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Walker stressed that it’s not too late for a vaccination. With the peak of the flu season still a month or two away, a vaccination should take effect in time to provide protection, he said. Every year, flu vaccinations are recommended for adults and children age 6 months and older.

Experts are recommending a flu shot, even though this year’s vaccine missed a prevalent strain that has been tracked in the United States. Walker said the vaccine still provides a level of protection and may reduce severe outcomes such as hospitalization or death.

The most common strain this year, called Influenza A H3N2, is considered more hazardous to children and seniors. Experts say the strain has been mutating into virulent types of H3N2 that are not specifically covered by the vaccine that’s available.

“It’s only a modest change in the virus between what’s in the vaccine and what’s out there circulating,” said Dr. Stuart Cohen, chief of infectious diseases at UC Davis Health System in Sacramento. “I wouldn’t totally give up on the vaccine.”

More than a dozen children died of the flu in the upper Midwest and Southern states before mid-December. Health officials in California, who usually have advance information on the severity of the seasonal flu, are heeding the warning it could be a harsh flu season.

Avoid work when ill

Beside getting vaccinated, other precautions can be taken to keep from spreading the flu. Adults should not work if they are sick, and children who are ill should not attend school. People should cough or sneeze into their sleeve or a tissue, and avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

Health officials advised those in high-risk groups to seek medical attention if they have flu symptoms, such as headache, body aches, chills, stuffy nose and fever.

Dr. Del Morris, medical director of Stanislaus County’s Health Services Agency, said antiviral treatment started within 48 hours of the first symptoms is recommended for vulnerable individuals, such as children less than a year old, adults 65 and older, and people with chronic illness.

County public health provides flu vaccinations for low-income residents and the uninsured at 820 Scenic Drive in Modesto. The suggested fee is $10 for a child and $27 per adult, but there is no charge for those unable to pay, a press release said. The vaccinations are available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Friday. There is no need for appointments.

Additional information about influenza and flu vaccines can be viewed at www.stanemergency.com, or call the county’s flu hotline at (209) 558-8872.

This story was originally published January 1, 2015 at 5:23 PM with the headline "Take steps to avoid catching, spreading flu."