Supervisor Ridley-Thomas Urging Residents To 'Empower' Themselves By Making Informed Decisions About Their Health Care
With Los Angeles County experiencing a surge in cases of influenza, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas is urging residents to "empower" themselves by making informed decisions about their health care.
"If you have health insurance, you should consult your doctor to receive either the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccination or seasonal flu vaccines," the Supervisor said. "Free H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines will be provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for residents who do not have health insurance or a regular source of health care, and are in a priority group."
Children and young adults are being hit disproportionately hard by the swine flu. Pregnant women are also at risk because the fetus reduces the expectant mother’s lung capacity.
Beginning Friday, October 23, the county will be holding free swine flu clinics for the high-priority populations who have no regular source of health care.
According to health officials, the county is seeing the highest levels of flue since the H1N1 flu strain was identified last spring. Of the more than 367 cases that required hospitalization in the county, 91 were recorded the week ending October 17.
Generally H1N1 is no more lethal than the average seasonal flu. Most people who get the swine flu can recover in less than two weeks without seeing a doctor or taking antiviral drugs.
But the strain’s dangers should not be underestimated because the virus spreads in extreme cases. While people 65 and older appear to have some level of immunity, school-age children are especially vulnerable.
VIEW SECOND DISTRICT H1N1 VACCINE CLINIC SCHEDULE (all Districts)
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