For Immediate Release
October 4, 2005

Contact: Howard Sutter
Office: (714) 834-2178

Orange County Reports Season’s First Influenza Cases – Flu Shots Now Available

(Santa Ana) – The influenza season is underway in Orange County, with two confirmed cases of influenza reported to the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) in recent days.

“Both of these cases were Influenza Type A, which is often the predominant strain of influenza reported in the United States,” said Dr. Mark Horton, County Public Health Officer. “One of the cases was an older adult, while the other was an infant. These are two of the groups that we are most concerned about when it comes to the potential complications of influenza, so we urge everyone in the high-risk groups, their caregivers and close contacts to get a flu shot this year.”

This year, the nation’s flu shot supply is expected to be sufficient to meet demand. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has requested that between October 1 – 23, only those in the highest priority groups be given flu shots. Beginning October 24, physicians may give flu shots to the remainder of the priority groups and anyone else who wants one. The highest priority groups include:

• People 65 years of age and older

• People with chronic diseases like heart disease, asthma, other lung disease or diabetes

• Residents of long-term care facilities

• People with a health condition that suppresses their immune system

• Pregnant women

• Children 6-23 months of age

• Health care personnel who provide direct patient care

• Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age

The CDC also recommends annual flu shots for household contacts of children and adults at increased risk for complications from influenza. Flu shots are available from private physicians; pharmacies and other retail businesses in the community; and, for eligible individuals, through the County’s annual influenza vaccination program, which is now underway. Information about locations and dates for the County’s flu shot program is available by calling the HCA Health Referral Line at 1-800-564-8448 or on our website at www.ochealthinfo.com/public/flu/.

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