You're in traffic and see them again. Who are these heroic flu fighters? They are our volunteer participants in our H1N1 flu prevention campaign. They are on billboards, posters, on TV and in the back of that bus. Here's a chance to hear from them our YouTube channel.
Meet Jeff from West Hollywood. He emphasizes the importance of getting a flu shot if you're HIV positive or immune compromised. Find out more about HIV & H1N1 here.
Meet Gladys from Downtown Los Angeles. Find out more about women who are pregnant & H1N1 here.
According to health experts, more Americans got the flu vaccine in record numbers, but it's still too few. In a recent Reuters article, CDC officials report:
"Compared with the previous influenza season, 2009-10 saw a 67 percent relative increase in estimated coverage for children, and a 30 percent relative increase for adults aged 18-49 years without high-risk conditions," the CDC team wrote in the agency's weekly report on death and disease. But this remains far below targets of 60 percent for adults and 90 percent of the over-65s, the CDC said.
And although a third wave of H1N1 has not officially occurred, there are still people testing for the H1N1 virus.
"During the four weeks ending April 15, 2010, about 26 percent of patients in all age groups tested in the southeast and 22 percent in the central south were positive for H1N1, compared to 6 percent for the remainder of the United States."
Flu season is here until the end of May, so it's not too late to get your flu shot. Check FluShotLA.com to find the nearest location to get vaccinated.
FluShotLA is a project of the LA County Department of Public Health.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health protects health, prevents disease, and promotes the health and well-being for all persons in Los Angeles County.
