Flu season starts late, vaccine still recommended

Flu season got off to a late start this year with the first case just confirmed last week, Orange County Health Care Agency officials said.

Physicians reported the first case for 2006 in September.

“Essentially, flu activity throughout the state remains low this year, although we still recommend that you go out to get your flu shot,” said Deanne Thompson, a spokeswoman for the Orange County Health Department. “It takes two weeks after a flu shot for your body to develop its natural protection.”

It’s important to get it “before the height of flu season for the optimum protection,” she said.

The flu season normally peaks during the holidays in December and can last until April, officials said. Officials offered no explanation why the numbers have been down, but did mention there is plenty of vaccine this year.

It’s still too early to tell if this season will be light, but there are plenty of ways to keep the number of cases down.

“We just urge people to get a flu shot, wash hands and stay home if you don’t feel well, that’s huge to containing the spread,” Thompson said.

— Kelly Strodl