Vaccination continues to be the best method for preventing influenza and its associated complications. Vaccine manufacturers project ample supplies of influenza vaccine in the United States for this 2010/2011, influenza season. Guidelines for influenza vaccination, published in July 2010, were revised by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and call for annual vaccination of all persons aged 6 months or over. Because children under 6 months of age are too young for influenza vaccination, but are one of the groups at highest risk for influenza-related hospitalization, vaccination of household contacts and caregivers of young children is recommended to reduce their risk for influenza illness. Vaccination of pregnant women might also provide protection to infants aged less than 6 months, in addition to protecting women during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Seasonal Influenza B in Ventura County
On February 10, 2011, Ventura County Public Health Department was notified of the January 31st death of a young teenage male resident of Ventura County due to complications from Influenza B infection, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) super infection, sepsis, and septic shock.
In addition to this, the Health Department received notification on February 11th of the death of a chronically ill 28-year-old from influenza-like illness. A rapid test was positive for Influenza B.
As of the week ending February 5, 2011, there were 11 influenza-related pediatric deaths reported nationally. Four were associated with Influenza B, two with 2009 Influenza A (H1N1), one with H3 and four with un-subtyped Influenza A. Globally there have been reports of unusually severe outcomes from Influenza B infection, especially in the UK.
