California health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated as influenza activity rises earlier than usual, with increases beginning before the traditional winter surge.
State flu-test data showed an upswing in mid-September, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, rather than the more typical November or December increase. Dr. James Watt, deputy director of infectious diseases at the California Department of Public Health, discussed the early start during an Oct. 6 briefing with medical professionals.
“That’s early for flu,” Watt said, according to the Chronicle.
San Francisco reported its first flu-related death of the season in early October, ABC7 reported. Doctors interviewed by the station urged residents to seek vaccinations at pharmacies, neighborhood clinics and physicians’ offices.
The early activity has also prompted public health departments elsewhere in California to encourage residents to prepare before respiratory infections become more widespread.
In an Oct. 8 advisory, San Bernardino County’s health department said many communities were already experiencing increased influenza activity. The department recommended annual flu vaccination for everyone age 6 months and older.
“Simple steps, such as getting vaccinated and testing when symptoms appear, keep our community healthy,” said Dr. Sharon Wang, the county health officer.
The county identified older adults, young children, pregnant and recently pregnant people, and people with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems as groups at greater risk of serious respiratory illness. It urged higher-risk residents to contact a health care provider promptly if flu-like symptoms develop.
Officials also encouraged testing when symptoms appear, noting that antiviral medicines can help reduce the severity of some respiratory infections when started early.
The advisory recommended staying away from others when sick, improving indoor ventilation, washing hands and wearing masks in crowded spaces to help limit transmission.
Sources: San Francisco Chronicle, Oct. 6; ABC7 San Francisco, Oct. 7; San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, Oct. 8.