Flu Season May Start Early, Officials Say

By City News Service

Los Angeles County's top health official on Monday reported this season's first cases of flu, including one severe enough for the person to be hospitalized, and urged residents to get immunized.

"While occasional reports of cases and sometimes low levels of influenza can continue throughout the summer and early fall, these recent reports suggest a possible early start to the influenza season in our area," Dr. Jonathan Fielding said."We encourage everyone, six months of age or older, to get either the influenza shot or the nasal spray vaccine, and to practice basis hygiene, such as hand washing, to prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory diseases," he said.Laboratory reports identify the hospitalized patient's strain as H1N1, which is covered by this year's vaccine along with two or three other common strains.

It can take up to two weeks to develop a immune response, so health officials urged vaccination as early in the flu season as possible.

Vaccination is particularly important for those at greater risk or those caring for others at risk of developing complications, including:

Low-cost flu vaccines are available at many pharmacies and supermarkets, including several in Palos Verdes.

Those without health insurance can seek free immunizations sponsored by the county. Details can be found at www.publichealth.lacounty.gov or by calling 211.