Health experts are advising parents and children in San Diego to get vaccine despite the lower rate of flu cases in the area. The number of 2015 flu cases in San Diego has dropped 37 percent from the year 2014 but the deaths of three patients with influenza indicate that everyone should still get the flu vaccine.
Public health officer Dr. Wilma Wooten talked to the San Diego Union Tribune about not being complacent about the seemingly milder flu season, "You can feel that this year's season is more mild than last year's, but it's still early. We just don't know yet how it's going to go next month and the month after that. People should realize that the flu is very unpredictable from season to season."
The peak season for influenza is during the months of January and February. According to a report from BBC, one of the reasons why many people get infected with the flu virus during the cold season is because more people stay indoors together and take public transportation together. These allow the flu virus to spread easily among the people staying indoors and the public commuters.
The cold weather can also wear down a person's immune system by decreasing the production of vitamin D and by constricting the blood vessels in the nose. Constriction of blood vessels in the nose prevents the antibodies from reaching the virus inhaled. The cold weather is also perfect for the growth of the virus.
Registered nurse Jenny Brenek told Hometown Stations that people can avoid getting infected with the flu virus not only by getting vaccinated but also by regularly washing our hands, taking vitamin supplements, eating a healthy diet, avoiding sharing of drinks, and drinking plenty of water. Parents are responsible for preparing their families for the coming flu season.
