FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The flu season is now here.<\/p>\n
In Fresno County, flu activity is low for now.<\/p>\n
Valley health leaders say they expect it to get busier.<\/p>\n
“Flu seasons can be unpredictable,” says Health Education Specialist Valerie Martinez. “The flu activity for each season is very different. Hopefully, it won’t be that bad. We won’t know until we see those emergency room visits.”<\/p>\n
Last year, there were 21 flu-related deaths in Fresno County, including one pediatric case.<\/p>\n
As we move through the colder months, health leaders will also be watching and monitoring for other respiratory viruses.<\/p>\n
“There was an increase in COVID that was back in August and September, but it’s kind of slowed down right now,” Martinez said. “We still expect to see some COVID and RSV. RSV usually peaks around that time, too.”<\/p>\n
CDC data also shows that common cold viruses are also up at their highest level since 2022.<\/p>\n
That’s why Fresno County health leaders are stressing people stay protected against an respiratory illnesses.<\/p>\n
“We want to make sure that everybody is protecting themselves,” Martinez said. “That way, we don’t see a lot of cases this year.”<\/p>\n
The CDC also says getting this season’s flu vaccine can reduce doctors visits and hospitalizations by half.<\/p>\n
Researchers looked at flu activity in the Southern Hemisphere.<\/p>\n
In Central California, Fresno County Public Health is working to keep the community healthy, partnering with UCSF Fresno and St. Agnes Medical Center by offering mobile health clinics.<\/p>\n
“These clinics are offered at many different locations in Fresno County, so it helps to reach those rural areas where not a lot of people have access to clinics,” Martinez said.<\/p>\n
Health experts stress good hand hygiene, wearing a mask and staying home if you’re feeling sick are good ways to keep not just yourself healthy, but everyone around.<\/p>\n
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