Flu season is coming early in parts of the United States: Cases of influenza in Silicon Valley are at the moderate stage right now, about the same as were last year, according to data on Google's Flu Trends. (Cupertino-specific data is not available on Flu Trends.)
It was in the winter season of 2009-2010 that the flu virus hit our area so hard.
Overall in California, activity is also considered moderate so far, the same as at this time in 2011, according to Flu Trends.
If you're considering getting a flu shot, here are some places in and near Cupertino that offer the vaccine:
Target/Pharmacy
20745 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino
408-725-2651
10455 South De Anza Blvd., Cupertino
408-996-2500
CVS/Pharmacy Store
1675 Hollenbeck Ave., Sunnyvale
408-735-7922
CVS/Pharmacy Store
1496 Pollard Rd., Los Gatos
408-376-3554
5285 Prospect Rd., San Jose
408-253-3352
According to this week's CDC Flu activity report, influenza levels are on the increase across the country.
Five states—Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee—are reporting flu rates not normally seen until January, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The flu season normally peaks in January and February.
Holiday travel and more time spent indoors due to soggy weather will contribute to the spread of the flu virus, so now is the time to get vaccinated.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following information:
- Who should get vaccinated
- When to get vaccinated
- Selecting a flu vaccine
- Symptoms, complications and severity
- Treatment if you get the flu
- How flu spreads
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department on Jan. 17 confirmed that one death occurred in the area as a result of the influenza virus.
