Health officials issue flu alert

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(with the weather varying from unseasonably warm to frigid in a mater of hours - this may end up being the year we have all feared for a long while. it doesn't bode well that they used the wrong strains for the vaccine. with the widespread growth of toxic molds in our schools and homes - our respiratory systems should be built up as much as possible now before the flu hits.)

http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/news/stories/20031126/localnews/713187.html

Health officials issue flu alertTulare County says it's ready for possible outbreak By Percy EdnalinoStaff writer

The California Department of Health Services warned hospitals Tuesday of impending influenza outbreaks in the state. Flu activity also has appeared earlier than usual this year, the state health department reported, with outbreaks already affecting Texas and Colorado. Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency officials said they're prepared for a flu outbreak. Loliva, a spokes-woman for the county's HHSA, said the county's Board of Supervisors re-ceived vaccinations and information about the flu during Tuesday's meeting. Ontiveros, division manager of public health services, said the agency is visiting hospitals and hosting clinics to educate residents about the flu. "We've also encouraged people to vaccinate themselves," she said. The Centers for Disease Control has plenty of flu vaccine available, Ontiveros said. Education efforts ap-pear to be working because more people are getting flu shots from alternate sources, she said. The state health department's warning said children are particularly susceptible to the current flu outbreak. Older adults and small children tend to get more sick from the flu, and vaccinations are recommended for both groups, Ontiveros said. Immunizations are recommended for people with diabetes, people with respiratory problems, pregnant women who are past their first trimester and people with AIDS or HIV. Nursing home employees also should receive immunizations, Ontiveros said. Some of Ontiveros' suggestions for preventing the spread of flu activity include vaccinations and properly washing hands. People should avoid crowds whenever possible. "But that's really difficult during the holiday season," Ontiveros said.