Flu on the rise in county
Two deaths attributed to influenza
The Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency has received reports that two Tulare County women have died from influenza-related infection: one from influenza A and the other from influenza B.
They also report that flu numbers have increased in the county over the last month. The total number of people seeking care in county emergency departments for influenza like illness was 823 for December, compared to 723 in November. Statewide, 34.9 percent of laboratory flu tests were positive.
“It is with great regret that I am informing the community of these deaths from influenza,” stated Dr. Karen Haught, Tulare County health officer. “Unfortunately, we are reminded that the effects from this illness can be very serious. Public health is our first priority, and I strongly encourage community members to get vaccinated and help prevent the spread of the flu.”
So far this flu season, Sierra View Medical Center has seen 41 cases of Influenza A, 38 cases of Influenza B, and eight hospital admissions due to influenza, with varying ages.
“We’ve seen cases ranging in age from infants to the elderly so there is no specific age that is being affected,” said Lisa Noel, infection prevention/employee health manager at SVMC. “Although we’ve only had three cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) so far, we are expecting an increase in the near future and will declare RSV season once we see more admissions for this medical condition which will include age restrictions for visitors to patient care areas.”
Because the flu can have serious, life-threatening effects, including death, TCHHSA is advising residents to take precautions to protect themselves and others from the contraction and spread of the virus.
— To prevent contraction or spread of the flu, get vaccinated every year, wash your hands often with soap and water, and avoid contact with sick individuals.
— If you experience flu-like symptoms, stay home 24-48 hours after symptoms resolve, unless you are seeking medical care.
—Use medications as instructed, and use a tissue to cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Avoid using your hands, but if you do, immediately wash or use antibacterial cleanser to help prevent germs from spreading, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
— Influenza symptoms include fever, cough, muscle aches, sore throat, chills, and a headache. If you have symptoms of influenza, contact your health care provider promptly to find out if antiviral treatment is needed.
— Seek emergency medical care when you see signs of serious illness. Other signs to watch for include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, dizziness, confusion, vomiting, and dehydration.
— Children may experience hyperventilation or difficulty breathing, vomiting, dehydration, lethargy, irritability, restlessness, or bluish skin color.
— Infants may experience a decreased appetite and dehydration, bluish color, fast or irregular breathing, irritability, or excessive sleepiness. Also, any infant under 3 months of age with a temperature over 100.4 should be evaluated by a physician right away.
— Anyone whose symptoms improve, but return with fever or worse cough should get help right away.
— Individuals with flu symptoms, particularly those with risk factors such as pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, kidney disease, and children age five and younger, should talk to their health care providers about antiviral medication.
— Vaccination is recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months, and is available at physicians’ offices and local clinics, local pharmacies, and through the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) immunization program.
HHSA immunization program staff can be reached at 685-5725. At this time, the vaccine is widely available in the community. Additional information can be found at www.flu. gov.