Flu Season Peaking

San Andreas, CA — As we head into the peak of flu season are you protected?  Calaveras County’s Health officer says, according to the most recent reports, influenza activity in the county, as well as throughout California, is beginning to show a steady increase.

“While [this year’s] vaccine’s ability to protect against H3N2 viruses this season may be reduced, we are still strongly recommending everyone to get vaccinated,” says Calaveras County’s Health officer Dr. Dean Kelaita.   “Immunizations given in past seasons against viruses have still reduced the severity of disease or prevented many infections.  In addition, immunization will offer protection against other flu viruses covered by the vaccine that may become more common later in the season.”

Depending on the formulation, flu vaccines protect against three or four different flu viruses, according to Kelaita.  Flu shots are available at the Calaveras Public Health Services for free or low-cost on  Mondays 3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., and Thursdays 8 a.m. – noon.