INFLUENZA Increased in S B County

300% In One Week

Public Health Officer

Urges SHOTS for Everyone

Monday, January 8, 2018____       

San Bernardino County Public Health Officer Lana Cao, “…. strongly encourages San Bernardino County residents to get the FLU SHOT. Initial influenza reports have sharply increased nearly 300% in the last week, going from 38 reports to 150 reports.  Within the last two weeks, the County has also confirmed three (3) flu-related deaths.”   

“These deaths are a reminder that the flu can be serious and sometimes deadly,” said Dr. Maxwell Ohikhuare, Health Officer. “Flu shots are the most effective protection from the flu, and it’s not too late to get one.”    

In light of the recent sharp increase of influenza activity, getting vaccinated, and proper hand washing are your best bet to prevent the flu. A flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect yourself and the people around you from influenza and its potentially serious complications. Once vaccinated, it takes approximately two weeks before you are fully protected against the flu. An influenza vaccine is especially important for pregnant women and those with immune-compromised systems, children, and the elderly.   

Getting vaccinated against the flu can reduce flu illnesses and prevent flu-related hospitalizations or unnecessary trips to the emergency room.  Residents are encouraged to visit their primary care physician or urgent care if they have flu-like symptoms. If you get sick with flu symptoms and are at high-risk of flu complications, or you are concerned about your illness, call your health care provider for advice. If you go to the emergency room and you are not sick with the flu, you increase your risk of getting the flu from those who have it.     

In addition to getting the flu vaccine, prevent the spread of illness by following these steps:  

·        Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others

·        Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues

·        Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth

·        Wash  your  hands  often  with  soap  and  water,  especially  after  a  cough  or    sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers may be used if soap and water are not available

·        Avoid close contact with sick people  

·        Contact your medical provider for treatment options

To find a flu shot clinic nearest you visit http://flushot.healthmap.org  

For information on where to get a flu shot, contact your medical provider or call the County of San Bernardino Department of Public Health at 1-800-722-4777 

CNN Friday January 12, 2018

Flu stomps the nation, overwhelming ERs and leaving 20 children dead…

Influenza activity is widespread in all states, except Hawaii and the District of Columbia, with 22.7 hospitalizations for every 100,000 people during the week ended January 6.

Read the full story

noun: influenza - a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory passages causing fever, severe aching, and catarrh, and often occurring in epidemics.

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Compiled by E T Russell ____

The intrusion of what’s become an accepted interference in our lives especially in Winter seasons, Influenza (flu) has become a serious concern to the Big Bear Valley. Across the nation (all 48 states) healthcare workers, caregivers, hospital personnel, home nursing, emergency personnel are seeing a much greater of people contracting the flu, than in many previous years. Reports are showing children and senior citizens are being seriously infected for longer periods of the sickness, than in the past.

In checking with physicians and healthcare facilities, about the Flu outbreak in the Big Bear Valley; I am sharing their professional comments.

At Bear Mountain Family Practice, Dr. Christopher Fagan stated that office visits are at a growing percentage of more than twenty years. His team is seeing 10-15 patients per day that are experiencing symptoms such as: laryngitis, wheezing, coughing, nasal & respiratory congestion, headache and muscle aches.  With onset of potential cold-like symptoms patients should stay at home and not infect others.  Only after the symptoms don’t seem to clear-up but get worse, call your family physician to see if you need to set an appointment for an office visit; again to not be in a contaminated environment.  Hospitals and community gatherings should be avoided during high peaks of any transmissible illnesses.

At Bear Valley Community Hospital Emergency Room, Chief of Nursing, Kerri Jex emphasized the importance of evaluating the illness and the overload in the ER. When elevated temps, nausea, vomiting, coughing, body aching, and/or breathing, have persisted beyond two to three days, then consult the family doctor for antibiotics or go to the ER.  Jex emphasized the importance vaccinating children and senior citizens.

At Moms and Dad Project, Community Educator Tina Wade felt grateful that the Christmas Holiday school break seems to have helped with the low spread of the Flu throughout the schools.  Therefore, Moms and Dads held no classes at the Brenda Boss Facility (located on the Bear Valley Community Hospital campus) and avoided the epidemic.  Wade does point out several issues at combating the illness, such as: stay home when you don’t feel well; leave the room of people when sneezing or coughing; and take 24 more hours after you feel you’ve recovered. 

Most of all we are wishing everyone Good Health and Happiness in 2018!