Julian Omidi Tracks the Flu Season and It’s Arrival in Los Angeles

Julian Omidi looks at the severe outbreak of the flu that has affected the United States and is poised to strike Los Angeles. Julian Omidi also looks at preventative measures you can take and what to look out for during this particularly dangerous flu season.

If you look on your social media accounts you will no dobut know someone (or several people) keeping the world apprised of their battle with the flu; excessive vomiting, fatigue, the sweats. The flu this season has so far accounted for over 2,200 hospitalizations throughout the country and has very tragically resulted in the deaths of 18 children.

Since October 1st Boston alone has seen 700 confirmed cases of influenza, and the flu is set to hit Los Angeles with the L.A. County Department of Public Health advising in a statement this week that:

“Flu activity is now on the rise and expected to get worse over the next few weeks.”

The department has released some of the following information to help you stay safe during this particularly volatile and dangerous flu season in Los Angeles.

• If you know someone who has contracted the flu you can expect them to be contagious for about five days after becoming sick, so take extra precaution around these individuals especially if they reside with you.
• Frequently washing your hands as well as avoiding contact whenever possible with your nose, eyes, and mouth will help prevent the spread of germs.
• Seriously consider getting a flu shot. Many pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS offer flu shots at a discount or free of charge to those without health insurance.
• Those for which the flu presents a paricularly dangerous risk include women who are pregnant, adults over the age of 65, those experiencing chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, and those living or working in long-term care facilities, day care, or health care.

Due to the fact that the flu season hit earlier this year many contracted it during the winter holidays, though officials warn that with flu seasons often extending into May that to think the worst is already over is not a mistake to make this year; deaths from a particularly strong flu season can reach close to 50,000 and see hospitalizations climb near 200,000.

Be safe and take all of the necessary precautions to avoid the flu season this year in Los Angeles.

By Julian Omidi