Flu Season Update
Influenza, also called "the flu", is a contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus. It can cause mild to severe illness. Every year, more than 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized from flu complications and approximately 36,000 people die from flu. Normally, the height of California's flu season is from late December through January, although flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May.
How do I know that I have the Flu?
Some flu symptoms include....
- Abrupt onset of fever
- Muscle aches
- Extreme tiredness
- Sore throat and dry cough that often make people sick enough to keep them in bed for several days
- Headache and runny or stuffy nose sometimes occur
- Stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea also can occur but are more common in children than adults
Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. Complications of flu can include pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children may get sinus problems and ear infections.
Aspirin or medications with salicylates, which are common ingredients in many cold medications, should NOT be given to children or adolescents that are sick with the flu or fever. These ingredients have been linked with the development of Reye's syndrome, which can lead to coma, brain damage and even death in children and teenagers suffering from the flu, flu-like illnesses or chickenpox.
Frequently asked questions about Influenza ("the flu")
What YOU can do to WHACK the Flu!
Flu viruses spread in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. They usually spread from person to person, though sometimes people become infected by touching something with flu virus on it and then touching their nose or mouth. Flu virus can be passed on a day before visible symptoms develop.
Here are 5 easy steps to "WHACK" the flu!
Wash your hands often
Home is where you stay when you are sick
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Keep your distance from people who are coughing or sneezing
The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each fall. Everyone is eligible to receive the flu vaccine in Berkeley. Residents of Berkeley who have private health insurance (i.e. Kaiser, MediCal, Blue Cross Managed Care, etc.) should first check with their regular health care provider to receive the flu vaccine.
During flu season the flu vaccine will be offered at the Public Health Clinic for community members 3 years of age and older.
CLICK HERE for the flu vaccination schedule
Public Health Clinic
830 University Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94710
For more information, call the City of Berkeley Public Health Clinic at (510) 981-5350, or the Nurse of the Day (510) 981-5300.
MATERIALS FOR POSTING & DISTRIBUTING
For more information about seasonal influenza:
For information on Pandemic Influenza: