SACRAMENTO (November 28, 2006) – State Public Health Officer Dr. Mark Horton today joined other state and local health officials at the Hart Senior Center in Sacramento to remind Californians that it is not too late to get a flu shot and to give tips on how to avoid illness this influenza season. 

"A flu shot remains our best defense against catching the flu," Horton said.  "The influenza virus that causes the flu stays active in our communities through early spring.  Also, people who gather over the holidays have an increased chance of getting the flu.  So, now is a good time to get vaccinated to protect yourself and your family during the holiday season and into the new year."

Today's flu clinic is sponsored by the Sacramento County Public Health Department and is part of a statewide effort by the California Department of Health Services (CDHS) to raise awareness of the importance of influenza vaccination during National Influenza Vaccination Week Nov. 27 to Dec. 3.  Consumers can also get a flu shot in December and early next year to protect themselves this season as long as supplies last.

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), manufacturers have produced significantly more vaccine than has been available in previous years.

To reduce the spread of influenza and other respiratory illnesses, Dr. Howard Backer, chief of CDHS' Immunization Branch, encouraged anyone who is sick to "limit their contact with others, wash their hands frequently with soap and water and cover their mouth with a tissue when they cough."

Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a respiratory infection caused by a virus.  The flu begins with an abrupt onset of fever, muscle aches, sore throat and cough that often make people sick enough to keep them in bed for several days.  Infants, seniors and individuals with chronic medical conditions are more likely than others to become seriously ill if infected by the influenza virus.  Flu is not the same as the common cold; it is much more serious.

Every year in the United States, between 5 percent and 20 percent of the population is infected with influenza.  More than 200,000 are hospitalized and approximately 35,000 die due to influenza and its complications like pneumonia.  During the 2004 flu season, more than 150 children in the United States died from influenza.  No other vaccine-preventable disease kills more people in this country.

Dr. Glennah Trochet, Sacramento County public health officer and president of the California Conference of Local Health Officers, said, "Getting vaccinated helps limit the spread of influenza in the community so it helps protect even those who don't get vaccinated."

Vaccinations are recommended for anyone who wants to decrease the risk of influenza.  While anyone can get influenza, many groups are at risk for complications.  These groups include: People aged 50 years and older; those with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease and diabetics; and pregnant women.  In addition, those in close contact with individuals in high-risk groups, including health care personnel, and healthy individuals who live with or care for high-risk individuals, are also at increased risk and should get vaccinated.

In recognition of National Influenza Awareness Week, CDC has updated its Web site with new TV, radio and print ads, which can be accessed by visiting www.izcoalitionsta.org/category.cfm?id=23.

CDHS will also be distributing updated flu PSAs, which are available by visiting www.getimmunizedca.org and www.cdlhn.com.

For information about low- and no-cost flu clinics, consumers should contact their local health department, check with their provider for the availability of flu vaccine or visit the American Lung Association's Web site at www.lungusa.org.  For information on the FluMist® nasal spray, which is recommended for healthy individuals ages 5 to 50, visit www.flumist.com.

For more information about flu and prevention tips, call 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit CDHS' Web site www.dhs.ca.gov.

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