California Flu Rates are Highest in 4 Years: Here is how to Protect Yourself

Edward Henderson | California Black MediaFlu cases in California have surged to the highest levels the state has seen in years.By the end of January,26% of tests sent to state laboratories had come back positive for influenza. This is a significant increase compared to flu season peaks over the past 4 years, according to the most recent data captured by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on respiratory viruses.Flu-related deaths in California are also on the rise. As of Jan. 25, 2.4% of deaths in the state (484 people) were attributed to influenza this season, compared to 1.6% last season.California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Dr. Jerry P. Abraham, a Los Angeles-based Physician and Public Health advocate who currently serves as the Director & Chief Vaccinologist of the CDU-KEDREN Mobile Street Medicine program in Los Angeles. He explained why cases of the flu may be increasing and preventative measures people can take to protect themselves until the flu season ends next month.“Be fully vaccinated. It’s not too late to get the flu shot for this flu season. We stop giving it out about March every year,” said Abraham.“Be fully boosted with COVID-19 vaccines as well. This is a very...