Devastating Flu Season Hits!

Deadly flu season hits California, the worst in over ten years.

Photo: SouthPasadenan.com

Deadly flu season has hit California.

Health officials say the influenza season started in November, earlier than usual, and there have already been 27 flu-related deaths of persons younger than 65 in the state.

Hospitals and urgent care centers around the California are reporting unusually high numbers of patients with flu-like symptoms.

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Seven states are now reporting widespread activity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Officials say fatalities are expected to rise throughout the winter months.

Health officials recommend managing your stress and to say home from work or school if you’re feeling the affects of the illness.

South Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Geoff Yantz said local schools are sending out information to help fight off the disease. “As the flu season kicks into gear, the schools are providing important information to parents to help determine to send their child to school or not,” he said, noting that one of the best preventions is frequent hand-washing. “We have had some students who are sick, but at this point in time it’s not a significant outbreak among our youth.”

In a letter sent to Arroyo Vista Elementary School parents, Principal Cheryl Busick wrote:

Students need to remain at home for the following reasons:

• A temperature of 100 degrees or greater. Children should be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school and not taking fever reducing medication to control symptoms.
• If diagnosed with a strep infection. Students need to be on an antibiotic for a minimum of 24 hours, fever free, and feeling well before returning to school.
• If your child has vomited or had persistent diarrhea during the night or in the morning before school.
• If your child has a heavy, moist productive cough, chest congestion, or discolored nasal drainage.
• If your child has pinkeye (conjunctivitis). Students need to have completed 24 hours of medication, and have no visible redness or discharge before returning to school.