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First Signs of Flu Season Emerge

Senior citizens, high risk adults, pregnant women and children are high priority candidates for the flu shot.

The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services is pairing with the Red Cross to offer free flu shots to Senior Citizens and other high risk adults on the heels of Los Angeles County’s first confirmed flu cases.

Three adults and one child were confirmed to have the contracted the flu from the San Fernando Valley and the West Los Angeles area. 

Three of the individuals were infected with the Influenza A H3N2 strain and one person with the H1N1 strain. Both strains, along with an Influenza B strain, are protected against in this year’s flu shot.

"Flu season can stretch from now until May of next year." - Jonathan E. Fielding, Director of Public Health
"Flu season can stretch from now until May of next year." - Jonathan E. Fielding, Director of Public Health

“These confirmed flu cases mark the beginning of a flu season that can stretch from now until May of next year,” said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. “The earlier you get your seasonal flu vaccine, the sooner you will be protected from the flu.”

The city of Long Beach began doing their part to protect people from the flu. Clinics were set up around the city that offered people over age 60 the shot for free.

Adults age 18-59 with underlying chronic medical conditions, along with women who are pregnant, are also eligible to receive the vaccine.

The clinics also had local medical providers on hand to offer advice and answer questions.

“This is an opportunity in which seniors have a great chance of getting multiple services that are local to them,” said Healthcare Alameda West Representative Ray Spraggins.

Although not required, it is recommended that that everyone, age six months and older, receive a flu shot every year.

“Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others,” said Dr. Fielding.

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