INYO COUNTY
PUBLIC HEALTH BRIEF
A Division of Health & Human Services
James Richardson, M.D.
Public Health Officer, Inyo County
[email protected]
Thursday April 4, 2024
End of Flu Season!
Inyo County Public Health is reporting that flu activity has fallen to low levels throughout the county. Therefore, our Health Officer, Dr. Richardson, in collaboration with local healthcare providers, has determined that Flu Season is over, effective today. Thank you to everyone who helped Inyo County battle the flu again this season. As always, we wish you continued good health.
Key Points:
- Evidence shows that influenza activity continues both in California and nationally, but at low and decreasing levels. Locally, influenza levels are now below baseline.
- All recommendations for masking of healthcare workers who have not been vaccinated are cancelled immediately.
- However, everyone should always:
o Try to avoid close contact with sick persons as much as possible.
o Encouraging sick employees to stay home!
o Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.
o Routinely clean commonly shared items.
o As with the possibility of exposure to all airborne viruses and other conditions, our clinical professionals are still encouraged to exercise caution and observe medical protocols when encountering potentially hazardous situations.
Perspectives:
- Northern Inyo Hospital, Southern Inyo Hospital, Toiyabe Indian Health Project, and Valley Health are reporting minimal levels of flu activity below baseline for the reporting week ending April 2nd, 2024. • Southern California counties are still reporting elevated levels of flu activity, although declining. Flu detections and illness are at expected levels for this time of year, but hospitalizations and deaths are now very low.
State-wide Perspectives:
- Influenza activity is low.
- The majority of detected influenza viruses are A (H1N1)pdm09.
- The flu shot is still the best way to protect yourself against flu, its potentially serious complications, and reduce strain on our healthcare system.
- In California, there have been a total of 190 influenza-related deaths in persons <65 years of age.
Through the Week ending March 23rd, 2024
