SAN
ANDREAS – Calaveras Public Health Services has received confirmation of two
influenza-related deaths of Calaveras County residents this flu season. “The residents were both under 65 years of
age and were reported to the Department today,” stated Dr. Dean Kelaita, County
Health Officer. “Both residents had been
hospitalized out of county.” “One of the deaths was confirmed as the H1N1 flu
strain,” continued Dr. Kelaita.
Flu
deaths continue to increase in California.
The current number of confirmed flu related deaths in the state is 202
cases, four of which were pediatric cases.
Other cases are under investigation pending test results to confirm a
link to flu. This is double the number
of state flu related deaths during the entire flu season last year. These are
the first deaths in Calaveras County residents to be reported so far this
season.
Different
strains of flu are present. The dominant flu strain this year is H1N1. H1N1 often infects children, young and middle
age adults. H1N1 is included in the flu
vaccine being offered this year. Those
at highest risk of complications from H1N1 are infants, children, pregnant
women and anyone with other chronic conditions such as heart disease,
respiratory disease and other conditions that compromise the immune
system. Others at risk of flu
complications from other strains include seniors. Persons in the high risk
groups showing flu conditions should contact their medical provider.
“The
best form of prevention is still influenza vaccine,” stated Dr. Kelaita. “It is not too late to receive the vaccine.”
It takes about two weeks for the body to develop immunity. If you and your
family have not received the vaccine now is the time to get it. Everyone 6
months of age and older should get flu vaccine to protect themselves and others
in the community. Dr. Kelaita also urges residents to follow other every day
preventive actions. Wash hands thoroughly
and often. Cover coughs and sneezes.
Stay away from others if you are ill – stay home from work or school. Most importantly, get a flu vaccine.
Flu
vaccine is available through medical providers, pharmacies and Public Health
for everyone 6 months of age and older.
Public Health offers vaccine every Monday from 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM and
every Thursday from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM at 700 Mountain Ranch Road, San Andreas.
There is a monthly immunization clinic on the third Tuesday of each month in
Valley Springs at the United Methodist Church from 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM. No appointment is necessary for flu and
immunization clinics. There is a $16
charge for vaccine. Medicare can be
billed. No one is denied vaccine because of inability to pay. For more
information, contact Public Health at 209.754.6460 or visit the website at www.calaveraspublichealth.com.
