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Flu on rise, practice good health habits

Special to the Sun

TRUCKEE, Calif. — Seasonal influenza is on the rise in the United States and is now widespread in California. Many California counties, and other states, are reporting patients who are critically ill with influenza, including healthy young adults.

Dr. Ken Cutler, Nevada County’s Public Health Officer said, “It is with regret that I inform our community that a previously healthy resident of Nevada County in their 30s passed away due to complications from influenza on Jan. 8, 2014. Testing confirmed influenza, with lab results pending for the H1N1 strain.”

Health officials will not be releasing the name or further details.



The H1N1 strain appears to be the predominant strain circulating in California and U.S. The H1N1 virus, which emerged during the 2009 pandemic, causes more illness in children and young adults, compared to older adults. It causes severe illness in all age groups, including those younger than 65 years of age.

The Public Health Department has conducted five flu clinics for Nevada County residents since Oct. 2013, with a total of 2,050 vaccinations given. The Department also coordinated with local pharmacies to facilitate additional access to vaccinations.



HEALTH HABITS

Protect your health by eating a nutritious diet and getting enough sleep. If you become ill, you should take the following precautions to stop the spread of germs:

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your coughs and sneeze.

Wash your hands with soap and water.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

If you think you have influenza, contact your health care provider.

The Nevada County Public Health Department will offer free community flu vaccine clinics.

On Jan. 22, 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. and Feb. 6, noon-4 p.m., flu vaccines will be offered at the Joseph Center, 10075 Levon Ave. in Truckee, (Nevada County government building behind the Truckee Library).

These vaccines are available free of charge through cooperative efforts of the Public Health Department’s Immunization, Communicable Disease Prevention, and Emergency Preparedness programs.

Regular opportunities for immunizations through the Public Health Department include: Wednesdays, 9:30-11:45 a.m., immunizations, including flu shots, are available by appointment at the Joseph Center in Truckee; childhood immunizations on the first Thursday of each month 1-4 p.m. at the Joseph Center.

Further information is available by calling the Public Health Department’s warm line at 530-265-7258 or at http://www.mynevadacounty.com/nc/hhsa/ph, then click on “flu shots-influenza” under services.


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