CARSON CITY - According to a recent MSNBC report, this year's flu season may be off to a late start. Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that this year's flu season is just now on the move especially through certain parts of the country, California being the first state to report widespread influenza activity.
CDC's FluView this week reports the national percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza rose to 10.5 percent from 7.6 percent the prior week. This is the first time this season that the percent of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza has surpassed 10 percent; which is generally a marker to indicate that flu season is beginning.
Flu season typically peaks in February and there is an increase of flu activity this month.
If you haven't had your flu shot this year, the CDC recommends that you get vaccinated right away. It could take up to two weeks for the vaccine to become effective; with this being the height of this year's flu season, getting vaccinated is your best protection. The only other protection you have against the flu is regular hand-washing, but hand washing can only do so much.
If you still haven't had your flu shot, the Humboldt County Community Health Clinic still has vaccine. It is available on a walk-in basis most Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at the clinic at 102 E. Haskell St. or you may call (775) 623-6575 for an appointment. The cost of the vaccine is $20.
For more information on this year's flu season visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/flu.
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