Health officials say that Flu infections have outrun the last year’s percentage in San Diego County.
Lab has confirmed 607 influenza cases this season which were previously recorded to be 359 last season. Similarly patients seeking treatment for the flu in emergency rooms are found to be 9 percent which is thrice the rate recorded last season.
According to the county’s Health and Human Services Agency, There have been no flu-related deaths reported so far.
Public-Health experts say that there is still time for the people to get vaccinated as it only takes two weeks for the body to produce enough antibodies against the virus.
But according to the researchers the virus H3N2 have mutated this season so the vaccine doesn’t offer full protection against the virus. CDC has predicted that flu this season would be a severe one. Further research is been going to empower the vaccine.
To reduce risks of the flu thorough hand washing and use of sanitizers have been recommended by health experts. They also urge people to avoid touching their nose, eyes, nose and mouth with their fingers, and to minimize the risk of contagion by staying home when sick.
For further information and details call 211 or visit sdiz.org. People without health insurance may want to consider seeking a flu shot at one of the county’s immunization clinics.