For Immediate Release
September 27, 2006

Contact: Deanne Thompson
 (714) 834-2178

Orange County Reports Season’s First Influenza Cases

(Santa Ana) – The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) has confirmed the first two cases of seasonal influenza, officially signaling the beginning of flu season in Orange County. The first reported cases were Influenza Type A, which is often the predominant strain of influenza reported in the United States.

“While flu season in Orange County usually peaks at the end of December or beginning of January, it is not unusual to have a few influenza cases reported early in the season,” said Dr. Eric Handler, County Public Health Officer. “This serves as a reminder that it is always a good idea to get a seasonal flu shot, and to practice good hygiene and hand washing to prevent the spread of germs.”

October-November is the best time to get a flu shot to ensure optimal protection throughout the traditional flu season. Nationwide, more than 100 million doses of influenza vaccine are anticipated to be available this season, which is expected to be sufficient to meet demand.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that those in the highest priority groups be given flu shots before the end of October. The highest priority groups include:

• Children 6-59 months of age
• Pregnant women
• People 50 years of age and older
• Children and adolescents who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
• People with chronic diseases like heart disease, asthma, other lung disease or diabetes
• People with a health condition that suppresses their immune or respiratory system
• Residents of long-term care facilities that house people with chronic medical conditions
• Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children 0 to 59 months of age
• Health care workers

Flu shots are available from private physicians, pharmacies and other retail businesses in the community. Information about these locations and dates is available at http://findaflushot.com. Flu shots are also available for eligible individuals through the County’s annual influenza vaccination program, which begins October 16th. Information about locations and dates for the County’s flu shot program will be available on October 16th 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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