LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – In the wake of a number of flu deaths reported around California, Lake County health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated.

In recent weeks, more people have down with influenza, which now is considered “widespread” in California, according to Lake County Public Health.

Lake County is seeing an increase in its cases, including some that have required hospitalization, the agency said.

Although there have been no influenza-related deaths in Lake County, several deaths have been reported in other parts of the state.

“This is a sobering reminder of how deadly influenza can be,” said Lake County Health Officer Dr. Karen Tait.

The most common strain circulating this year is H1N1, the same strain that first made its appearance in the 2009 pandemic. Tait's office reported that the H1N1 strain tends to cause more illness in children and young adults, although severe illness has been seen in all age groups.

This year’s influenza vaccine provides protection against the H1N1 strain, and it is not too late to get vaccinated. It takes approximately two weeks for protection to build up after vaccination, which is recommended for everyone six months and older.

Health officials said it is particularly important for people at higher risk for severe influenza, which includes pregnant women and people with a variety of chronic health conditions.

Treatment with antiviral medications may be helpful if started soon after flu symptoms start and is particularly important for people at risk for serious illness. In some instances, it may be prescribed to people who have just been exposed to the flu.

An annual flu vaccine is the first and most important step in getting protected, according to Tait's office.

It is also important to practice the three “C’s” of disease prevention in an effort to help prevent the spread of germs:

• Cover your cough;
• Clean your hands;
• Confine sick people at home.

Symptoms of influenza typically begin one to four days after exposure, are usually more severe than the common cold and include fever greater than 100 degrees with sore throat and/or cough. Body aches and extreme tiredness often are present. The infection can be spread to others starting a day before symptoms occur and for five to seven days after. Children can be infectious even longer.

People experiencing flu-like symptoms should stay home from work or school and limit contact with others.

Influenza vaccine is available through many clinics and pharmacies. It is covered by most insurance plans, MediCal and Medicare.

Lake County Public Health still has influenza vaccine available for $2 while supplies last at 922 Bevins Court, Lakeport, during the following walk-in hours:

• Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.;
• Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.;
• Thursdays, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Call Lake County Public Health at 800-794-9291 or 707-263-1090 for more information.