Seasonal Flu

Seasonal flu (influenza) is a viral illness of the nose, throat and lungs. The virus spreads easily from person to person and can lead to serious illness and even death.

Symptoms are similar to the common cold—congestion, coughing, tiredness but may also include fever, achy muscles and extreme tiredness.

Flu Season 2011-12

This year’s influenza vaccine will protect you against the H1N1 flu strain and two other strains, H3N2 and influenza B. The California Department of Public Health recommends the influenza vaccination for everyone over six months  of age. Healthy children and adults as well as persons with high risk conditions should get vaccinated. See Immunization Assistance Project for details »

The 2010 whooping cough (pertussis) epidemic is a reminder to all residents that immunity to some diseases wears off. Immunization is the best protection.

California’s First Flu Death Reported – Dec. 22, 2011

How is Seasonal Flu Spread?

Flu is a communicable disease passed easily between people through respiratory droplets from sneezing and coughing. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

Almost half of the people with the flu virus do not know that they have the flu and may continue with their daily activities. Check out the Centers for Diseases Control web site for key facts about the flu.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself and Your Family?

The best protection is to get everyone who is eligible vaccinated. Depending on the age and health of a person, a flu vaccination is 70-90% effective in preventing the flu.

Protection usually lasts a year. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone—all eligible adults and children 6 months and older get a flu vaccination. The flu vaccine is very safe and there are few side effects. There are different kinds of flu vaccine: injectable or nasal spray have been used for many years. In addition, there is a high dose injectable vaccine for older adults as well as an intradermal vaccine for persons 18 to 64 years The intradermal vaccine is injected just under the surface of the skin with a special microneedle.

What is Alameda County Public Health Doing?

We offer FREE seasonal flu clinics throughout the county. Public Health also works with doctors, clinics, hospitals, schools, childcares, skilled nursing facilities and senior centers to make sure residents are informed about the flu and community resources.

See Alameda County Public Health Department's recommendation on mandatory influenza and Tdap vaccination for all health care workers.

For more information about seasonal flu services call the Public Health Clearinghouse at 1-888-604-INFO.