Officials Voice Hope for Mild Flu Season

County health officials expressed optimism Thursday that this year’s flu season will be mild for most people because of the lateness with which the virus seems to have arrived in the area.

“There is every indication at this point in time that it will be a very mild year,” said Michael Tormey, epidemiologist for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services.

As is normally the case, the area is being hit this year with two viruses, types A and B, according to doctors who have isolated the disease-causing agents using blood samples.

Tormey said the A virus usually surfaces around Thanksgiving, but was not isolated this year until early January. Type B is usually around throughout the year, Tormey said. While the peak season for vaccinations is past, doctors can still prescribe medication to lessen the severity of flu, Tormey said.