The Region : Philippine Flu Found in L.A. County

Three cases of the Philippine flu --the first strain of influenza discovered this season--have been confirmed, Los Angeles County health officials said. Dr. Betty Agee, chief of the county Health Department’s acute communicable disease control division, said it is encouraging that the cases were discovered so late in the flu season, which is traditionally between December and March in California. “The onset of the flu so late in the season means it’s less likely to be a severe season,” Agee said. She warned, however, that the Philippine strain of the flu is highly contagious and that people with symptoms--a fever, chills, headaches--should stay home three to five days to avoid exposing others to the illness.