Flu Shots Urged for Those at High Risk

People at high risk of serious flu complications should get vaccinated now, and those at less risk should hold off for a couple of weeks to relieve demand on short supplies, Los Angeles County health officials said Monday.

Dr. Jonathan Fielding, the county’s health officer, said the county plans to give 130,000 free flu shots at clinics to those who are in the highest priority groups and cannot afford the vaccination, which may cost about $30, through their own doctors.

Those considered high-risk include people 65 or older; those with a chronic health condition, such as heart or lung disease, diabetes, asthma or an impaired immune system; pregnant women; and those who have undergone organ transplants or chemotherapy.

Information is available from county health officials at (800) 427-8700 or https://www.lapublichealth.org.

Fielding appeared Monday at the county Hall of Administration with Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, who said he was diagnosed in January with Type 2 diabetes. Yaroslavsky received a flu shot from health workers as television cameras covered the brief procedure.

Fielding said the new strains of flu have yet to be reported in the county. The last flu season, which typically runs from December through March, was a comparatively mild one, he said. But a heavy flu season could elevate deaths in the county by 500 to 1,000, he said.

The shots are about 70% effective at preventing the flu, Yaroslavsky said. Some strains usually emerge that are not covered by the shots, which this year will cover the Type A Moscow, Type B Sichuan and New Caledonia strains.

Flu symptoms are similar to the early stages of inhalation anthrax, and to the extent that many people are prevented by the shots from getting the flu, fears of anthrax could be lessened, Yaroslavsky said.

But Fielding stressed that though there have been no cases of anthrax in Los Angeles County, they could conceivably occur, and those with flu symptoms who believe they could have been exposed should avoid panic and consult a physician. A usually reliable test can confirm whether they have the flu instead, he said.

No one should take antibiotics to deal with possible anthrax without medical advice, Fielding said.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

Preventive Medicine

Influenza, like common cold viruses, is an airborne virus that can be caught anywhere. There are three strains circulating worldwide. Type A influenza is more severe than Type B.

FLU FACTS

Flu strains expected this season:

Type A/Moscow

Type A/New Caledonia

Type B/Sichuan

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Symptoms

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Influenza Common Cold Fever, usually sudden Fever Chills Chills Sweating Stuffy nose Aches and pains Sore throat, hoarseness Weakness Aches and pains Headache Loss of appetite

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A flu shot will not protect against the common cold.

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When to Call a Doctor

* If your symptoms are worsening

* If you have a high fever

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FLU SHOTS

Flu shots should be administered now to high- priority groups to give the body time to build ntibodies. Flu season typically runs from December through March.

The Los Angeles County Health Department is offering 130,000 free flu shots to some county residents. Outreach clinics have already begun giving vaccinations.

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Those eligible for free flu shots should be:

* 65 or older; an eventual secondary group age 50--65 may be accepted

* Adults who have a chronic health condition such as heart or lung disease, diabetes, asthmar a compromised immune system such as those suffering from AIDS

* A pregnant woman

* Those with organ transplants or those who have had chemotherapy

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Flu shot phone number for L.A. County:

Department of Health Services Hotline

(800) 427-8700

Web site: www.lapublichealth.org

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Source: Los Angeles County Department of Health Services