Health officials are urging the public to get flu shots or the FluMist nasal spray vaccine to protect themselves during the flu season, which can last until spring, according to news services.
Flu activity across the nation is low right now, according to Google Flu Trends, which uses aggregated Google search data to estimate flu activity in your state.
It shows the strongest flu presence on the southeast coast of the U.S., though activity there is still only moderate.
But you should still get that shot.
"Many people mistakenly believe that there is no benefit to getting a flu vaccine after November," said Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding, Los Angeles County's Director of Public Health.
"In fact, influenza activity does not often peak until after the start of the new year and can continue through March, so vaccinations received in December provide protection at the time when people are most likely to catch the flu."
Fielding said free vaccines continue to be offered through public clinics for those who do not have a regular doctor or insurance. Learn more at the Web site of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
Leave a comment