Flu is on the rise in California. These counties have it the worst as season nears peak
As the cold weather settles into California, flu activity has begun to increase across the state — and a peak is expected in the next few months.
While influenza can be detected year-round, it typically circulates during the fall and winter months, the U.S. Centers for Disease and Control Prevention states.
“The exact timing and duration of flu seasons varies, but flu activity often begins to increase in October,” the CDC said.
Flu activity peaks between December and February, according to the California Department of Public Health.
“Influenza activity is currently increasing and influenza is likely to be circulating widely in California in the coming weeks, including during the holiday season,” the department wrote in an email to The Sacramento Bee.
To monitor the flu’s activity and impact in California, the department obtains and analyzes case data year-round on a weekly basis.
California counties with the most flu cases
According to the department’s most recent weekly report with data collected from Dec. 3 to Dec. 9 in California, the central region of the state has the most flu activity.
These counties are:
- Calaveras
- Fresno
- Inyo
- Kings
- Monterey
- Mono
- Madera
- Mariposa
- Merced
- San Joaquin
- San Benito
- Stanislaus
- Tulare
- Tuolumne
Overall, the report shows California’s statewide flu activity levels are moderate.
The flu positivity rate was at 12.5%, up from 8.8% the week before.
Flu symptoms and deaths in California
The flu can cause mild to severe illness, according to the CDC website.
Anyone can contract the flu, but some people are at higher risk. This includes people 65 years and older, those with certain chronic medical conditions, pregnant people and children under 5 years old, the website states.
People can often feel some or all of the following symptoms:
- Fever and/or chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Vomiting and diarrhea, but these are more common symptoms in children
At times, influenza can lead to death.
Since Oct. 1, 55 flu-related deaths have been reported across California.
If these symptoms appear, the CDC website states people should obtain medical care right away:
In children
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish lips or face
- Ribs pulling in with each breath
- Chest pain
- Severe muscle pain or refuses to walk
- Dehydration (no urine for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying)
- Not alert or interacting
- Seizures
- Fever above 104 degrees Fahrenheit that cannot be reduced by medicine
- Infants under 12 weeks with a fever
- Fever or cough that improve but then return and worsen
- Worsening of chronic medical conditions
In adults
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Constant pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen areas
- Constant dizziness or confusion
- Seizures
- Not urinating
- Severe muscle pain
- Severe weakness
- Fever or cough that improve but then return and worsen
- Worsening of chronic medical conditions
How can I avoid the flu?
“Vaccines are available to prevent influenza,” the California Department of Public Health response team wrote.
To avoid catching the flu, the California Department of Public Health said people should consider the following:
- Stay up to date on vaccines.
- Test for the flu and treat with medications.
- Wear a face mask in indoor public places.
- Wash your hands.
“Staying home when you’re sick slows the spread of flu, RSV, COVID-19, and even the common cold,” the department wrote.
This story was originally published December 18, 2023 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Flu is on the rise in California. These counties have it the worst as season nears peak."
