Amador County – Amador County Public Health on Tuesday said it is “not too late to vaccinate,” and incidents of flu are reportedly on the rise. ¶ Amador County Health Officer, Dr. Robert Hartmann said Tuesday that “flu cases are increasing across the United States,” and “25 states are now reporting” what they call “widespread flu activity.”

Hartmann said California just increased the state’s flu activity status rating to “regional,” a “designation shared with 15 other states, meaning that many regions in California are reporting laboratory confirmed influenza cases.”

Amador County Public Health recommended that everyone receive their seasonal flu vaccine if they have not already received it this season. Public Health clinics are held 2-6 p.m. each first and third Tuesdays of the month, and 9-11:30 a.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month. The cost for a flu vaccination is $10, and Medi-Cal billing is available. Private providers, clinics and pharmacies may also still have a supply of flu vaccine.

Hartmann said flu prevention measures are also important. Key recommendations include washing your hands often with warm soapy water for at least 30 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizers.

Another important practice is to “cover your cough and your Sneeze, and if you cough or sneeze into a tissue, throw it away and then wash your hands.

Hartmann said a third important way to prevent spread of flu is to “stay home if you are sick.” He said: “Current guidelines are asking our community members to stay home for at least 24 hours after they are fever-free.”

Flu symptoms include a fever of 100 degrees or higher, in addition to a cough or sore throat. Other symptoms that could also be present are a headache, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

For information, call Amador Public Health at (209) 223-6407.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.