For Immediate Release:

December 14, 2007

LOS ANGELES - The first case of confirmed Influenza A in Los Angeles County has been reported to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The patient diagnosed was a child who resides in the Eastern San Fernando Valley.

Influenza is the leading cause of pneumonia and accounts for 110,000 - 200,000 hospitalizations and 20,000 - 40,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. Receiving the flu shot is the most effective way to prevent the flu and its complications.

"I urge everyone who has not already done so to get a flu shot. Be prepared this year and protect yourself and your family. There is still time to get a flu vaccination," said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Public Health Director and Health Officer. "Vaccination is especially important for all persons at highest risk of serious complications of the flu, including infants and children 6 months through 5 years of age. There is no shortage of flu vaccine this year, so everyone should be able to get a flu shot or the FluMist® nasal spray."

Recommended groups for flu vaccination:

ALL persons who want to reduce their risk of illness or transmitting influenza;

Persons 50 years of age and older;

Residents of long-term care facilities;

Children from 6 months to 5 years of age;

Women who will be pregnant during the flu season;

Persons with a medical condition that puts them at risk for flu complications (e.g. chronic heart or lung conditions, diabetes, or HIV/AIDS); and

Health care workers.

Individuals should contact their usual health care provider to receive a vaccination. The county's public health centers are providing free vaccinations while supplies last. The centers serve Los Angeles County residents at highest risk for the flu and who do not have a regular source of care or are unable to afford vaccine from other sources. Some centers have limited capacity so it is important for people to show up as early as possible.

Precautionary Tips

"There are a number of steps everyone can follow to help prevent the spread of the flu. These include covering your mouth with a tissue or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze and washing your hands frequently with soap and water," said Laurene Mascola, MD, MPH, Director of Public Healths Acute Communicable Disease Control unit. "These healthy habits will help reduce the chances of catching any number of respiratory viruses, including the flu." There are also precautions patients with the flu should take to avoid transmitting the virus to others.

"Influenza is extremely contagious," added Dr. Mascola. "People with flu-like symptoms such as a combination of high fever, cough, headache and muscle ache should stay home during the first three to five days of their illness to avoid exposing others to the disease. It is important to drink plenty of fluids and use acetaminophen or ibuprofen if needed for pain and fever." Aspirin should be avoided in children less than 18 years so as to avoid inducing Reye's syndrome.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that at least 132 million doses of flu vaccine will be available nationwide. "The supply of flu vaccine is at record levels this year. There is no shortage of flu vaccine," says Alvin Nelson El Amin, MD, MPH, Medical Director for Public Health's Immunization Program.

Although most people think of autumn as the best time of the year to get their flu shot, the vaccine is actually recommended throughout the flu season, which typically runs through mid-March. Flu vaccination can prevent the flu or reduce its complications but only in persons who receive it before they are exposed to the virus. For information regarding the hours and locations of flu vaccinations clinics at public health centers, please go to http://www.lapublichealth.org call 211LA, the county information and referral line.

For those whose usual health care providers do not have vaccine, other sources are available. Many pharmacies are administering flu vaccine. These and other places can be found by logging onto http://www.findaflushot.com.

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises more than 4,000 employees and an annual budget exceeding $750 million. To learn more about Public Health and the work we do, please visit http://www.lapublichealth.org.

LA County Department of Public Health | Find a Flu Shot

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