Orange County Health Care Agency confirmed the first case of influenza A on Monday, Oct.7 when a Cypress man in his 80s was tested positive for the virus. In the 2018-19 flu season, the Agency reported 16 deaths from influenza, out of 6,050 reported cases. Health officials are expecting that this year’s flu season is going to be longer and deadlier, and are advising earlier vaccination for improved immunity against the flu virus. The flu season usually peaks in February starting from December. That’s why it’s important to get vaccinated early so that your immunity is improved and you can stay protected.
Here’s what you should know about the flu - its causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
There are mainly three types of influenza virus- A, B, and C. Influenza viruses A and B cause epidemics every winter, while virus C causes mild respiratory problems. Virus A is further divided into subtypes, and both A & B viruses are further classified into different strains.
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The flu virus is contagious and can be spread from one person to another through small particles or droplets in a cough or sneeze of the infected person. It can also spread through contaminated surfaces and in crowded places, such as offices or schools.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), young children, older people, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions are at a great risk of acquiring the flu.
Related Post: Flu Shot During COVID-19: What You Need to Know
It"s very common for people to get the flu and a cold confused. Both flu and cold symptoms may include a sore throat, runny nose, and cough. The following table will help you understand the difference between cold and flu.
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Symptoms of influenza A may be moderate to severe and vary from person to person. A person suffering from influenza A may show some or all of the following symptoms:
Influenza B is similar to influenza A, and shares some common symptoms. However, influenza B has milder symptoms. The following are some of the symptoms of influenza B:
Most people infected with influenza recover within 1-2 weeks without any medical treatment. The following will help in the treatment of flu:
However, it's important to consult a doctor before trying any self-remedies.
The best way to prevent flu is to prevent germs from spreading. Healthy habits can help ward off influenza viruses. Follow these tips to avoid getting infected with influenza viruses A & B:
If you or your family member develops any flu symptoms, visit a doctor or a family care center near you (Fountain Valley Urgent Care, Woodbridge WalkIn, Costa Mesa Urgent Care) for effective treatment or prevention.
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Kathryn Allen is an outstanding and highly experienced Family Medicine physician. She brings many years of quality primary care experience in both California and Utah. Dr. Allen spent over 30 years practicing medicine in the Salt Lake City area before moving back to her native state of California.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
Dr. Katayun Saadai is an internal medicine board-certified physician. She attended and graduated from Medical School at Tehran University of Medical Science in Iran. Dr. Saadai completed her internal medicine internship and residency at St. Mary’s Health Care in St. Louis, MO.
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