For Immediate Release
December 4, 2003

Contact: Howard Sutter
(714) 834-2178

Influenza Cases Confirmed In Orange County

(Santa Ana) – Laboratory testing has confirmed that Orange County’s influenza season is underway, with an increase in positive tests for Influenza A in recent days.

“Influenza can be a serious illness, especially for people 65 years of age and older or those who have chronic medical conditions,” said County Health Officer Dr. Mark Horton. Some of the recent positive tests for Influenza A are from school-aged children, following a trend seen in other states.

“The first line of defense is to get a flu shot every year,” stated Dr. Horton. Information about the Health Care Agency's flu shot program for those 60 years of age and older and those with chronic medical conditions is available by calling the County of Orange Health Referral Line at 1-800-564-8448 or on the Internet at www.ochealthinfo.com. Older adults and those with chronic medical conditions are not the only ones at risk from influenza, with young children between six months and 23 months of age at increased risk of hospitalization from influenza complications.

Respiratory (breathing) illnesses can be spread by coughing, sneezing or talking, which produce tiny droplets that contain virus.  Always cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands afterward.  You can decrease your chances of getting a cold or influenza by frequently washing your hands and avoiding touching your nose, eyes, and mouth. 

Public health officials urge those with flu-like illnesses to carefully consider their health and the health of others when deciding whether to attend holiday activities and events. “Those who are ill with fever and cough or sore throat should stay home and avoid contact with others at holiday or family gatherings,” added Dr. Horton.  “While we know missing a special occasion is a disappointment, no one wants to be responsible for a potentially serious illness among family or friends.”

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