Sacramento, CA – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today announced that flu activity in California is widespread and at levels usually seen at the peak of the influenza season.
As of the most recent report, for the week ending December 30, 2017, 27 influenza-associated deaths in persons under 65 years of age were reported to CDPH. Only influenza deaths in persons less than 65 years are reported to CDPH so the total number of deaths due to influenza is higher.
Health officials encourage Californians to get vaccinated. For those at high risk of serious flu complications, getting vaccinated is especially important. It is also important for caregivers of anyone at high risk including children younger than 6 months, who are too young to get a flu vaccine.
“Vaccination will prevent infection in a large number of cases. If disease does occur after vaccination, the vaccine can reduce the severity of flu symptoms,” said Dr. Karen Smith, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “Getting the flu shot is still the best way to protect yourself and others from flu.”
