Influenza (Flu)
Influenza, “flu,” is a
contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms can include
fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, and muscle aches. Flu season
in Los Angeles County is typically the first week of October through the end of March. However, flu circulates throughout the year.
Depending on the season, age, and prior health conditions flu can be
serious and/or life-threatening. Nationally, flu can cause between 9-35
million cases and on average 200,000 hospitalizations each year. The CDC
estimates that anywhere from 5-20% of the population can get the flu
each year. In Los Angeles County with more than 10 million residents,
that means anywhere from a half a million to 2 million cases of flu can
happen each season.
Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine as soon as
vaccine is available each fall. Since the virus changes each year it is
necessary to receive a new influenza vaccine each year.
Health Officer Order Information
In 2013, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and Health Officer issued an order to protect health care personnel from influenza and lower the risk of the transmission to patients. This order remains in effect.
Additional information
HERE.
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Los Angeles County influenza surveillance information is summarized
during flu season and released to the public through our free emailed
Influenza Watch report:. To receive this report, email
"Subscribe Flu Watch" to
ACDC2@ph.lacounty.gov.
INFLUENZA WATCH: Latest issue -- Week
21, 2023
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